The Texas House LGBTQ Caucus has issued the following statement in response to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s “legal opinion” claiming district courts do not have the authority to issue orders requiring state agencies to change gender markers on state-issued identification documents such as birth certificates and driver’s licenses:
“Gender markers that match a person’s gender identity on their identifying documents are critical for everyday life. This will impact people’s access to housing, banking, transportation and other everyday activities critical to survival.
“To our trans community members, we will never stop fighting for your equitable access and rights. We wholeheartedly condemn these hateful actions and stand alongside every one of you in this fight for equality. An OAG opinion does not erase you. Trans Texans are loved, needed and deserve to live authentically in our shared home.”
LGBTQ Caucus of the Texas House
“This opinion is the latest in a series of hate-based attacks on transgender Texans. It is a blatant attempt to push trans folks into the shadows and will have sweeping negative impacts on our state for trans and cisgender Texans alike. The Texas House LGBTQ Caucus is working diligently with stakeholders to communicate with our community about the impacts of this opinion.
“To our trans community members, we will never stop fighting for your equitable access and rights. We wholeheartedly condemn these hateful actions and stand alongside every one of you in this fight for equality. An OAG opinion does not erase you. Trans Texans are loved, needed and deserve to live authentically in our shared home.”
— Tammye Nash
