Leading Civil Rights Group Urges TX Governor Greg Abbott to Veto Discriminatory Anti-Trans Sports Ban
CONTACT: Brett Abrams | brett@unbendablemedia.com
National Black Justice Coalition Says Banning Trans Kids from Participating in School Sports Puts the Lives of Young People at Risk
TEXAS — With TX HB 25 having now passed both chambers of the State Legislature, the discriminatory legislation banning transgender youth from participating in sports alongside their peers, is heading to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for signature or veto. If signed, Texas would be the 10th state to enact an anti-transgender sports ban, and become the state with the largest LGBTQ+ population to have passed such a law.
David Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition, a leading civil rights group that advocates on behalf of Black LGBTQ+ and same gender loving individuals, issued the following statement, urging Governor Greg Abbott to veto the legislation:
“With 2021 on track to be the deadliest year ever for transgender people in the United States, and clear research demonstrating that the wave of anti-trans legislation targeting children has a real impact on the health, safety and wellbeing of young people – it is critical that Governor Abbott do the right thing and veto HB25 – discriminatory legislation banning trans kids from participating in school sports.
“For years, Republicans have waged a needless, bigoted culture war against trans people, politicizing basic human rights in a bid to energize the GOP’s most radical primary tvoters. The fact that these attacks are now directed at children is a particularly egregious act of animus – one that should not stand.
“Children do not ask to be born and each of them deserve the support and opportunities required to learn and grow. As a former elementary school educator, the sad reality that children are bearing the weight of political games being played by leaders who should be consumed with real crises sickens me and it should concern any caring adult.
“We urge Governor Abbott to veto this bill.”