Governor Abbott Announces Growing Support For Privacy Protection Legislation

July 25, 2017 | Austin, Texas | Press Release

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that his call for privacy protection legislation is generating growing support across Texas. Privacy protection legislation is part of the Governor's 20-item agenda for the ongoing special legislative session.

“It's clear that whenever Texans get to decide, they overwhelmingly side with protecting privacy. But when local governments and school boards are pressured by outside interests with deep pockets, the rights of individual Texans aren't always put first. That's why it is incumbent upon the Texas Legislature to act quickly to defend dignity and safety in our intimate spaces -- especially in our public schools with the new school year quickly approaching and there being no resolution on this important issue. We're thankful for Gov. Abbott's consistent and public stand to protect privacy and give all Texans the legal protection and dignity they deserve.” - Jonathan Saenz, President, Texas Values

"Homeschoolers and THSC have long been the champions of parental rights for all Texans. Our position on policies forcing boys and girls to use the same shower rooms and locker rooms are no exception. These policies impair a parent's ability to protect their child from compromising and unsafe situations. Taking that control out of the hands of a parent is unacceptable and a violation of parental rights." - Tim Lambert, President, Texas Home School Coalition

"Parents need reassurances that their children are safe and protected in all circumstances while at public school, including in the restrooms and locker rooms. Given the number of Texas school districts that have made changes to their restroom policies without notifying parents, we need the Texas legislature to act on behalf of Texas parents and pass the Privacy Act to stop school districts from going rogue." - Dana Hodges, State Director, Concerned Women for America of Texas

“It has been several sessions since there has been a bill so maligned, mocked and misrepresented as the current privacy legislation. Those supporting the privacy legislation have immediately been portrayed as haters and bigots that will bring on a fiscal Armageddon if we dare ask for safety for women and children in intimate spaces. May we hope that any debate over this issue during special session will be about the privacy i.e. ‘what is actually contained in the bill.’ We must not allow this issue to be co-opted for another agenda. Texans can have hearty debate without all the drama!” - Trayce Bradford, President, Texas Eagle Forum

"The Southern Baptists of Texas Convention supports protecting the privacy and safety of women and children in public bathrooms, showers and locker rooms. Laws and policies that allow men open access to private intimate facilities designed for women and children puts them at risk of attack. We encourage elected officials and policy makers to create a much-needed uniform policy of privacy and safety in public buildings and schools, and to ensure that no state or local government regulation forces private business to violate their freedom to protect the privacy and safety of their customers in the bathrooms, showers, or locker rooms of their businesses. We affirm that gender identity is determined by God through biological sex and not by self-perception." - Gary Ledbetter, Communications Director, Southern Baptists of Texas Convention