The Texas Senate State Affairs Committee voted 8-1 late Friday night to approve and send to the full Senate that controversial measure to restrict transgender use of public and school restrooms, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The measure now goes to the full Senate where passage is assured, probably as soon as Monday.
The majority of comments heard by the Senate during a full day of testimony, was against the bill.
Opponents, including San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, expressed concern that the measure signals to employers, conventions, and major event planners that Texas is not welcoming, is intolerant toward LGBT individuals, and will convince companies, including tech companies, to locate elsewhere.
Supporters disputed those claims.. State Sen Lois Kohlkorst (R-Brenham), the sponsor of the bill, framed it as a women's rights issue.
She said, rather than endure the indignity of being forced to dress and shower in college locker rooms alongside biological males, women will simply skip college athletics altogether, reversing the gains made by Title IX and other women's programs.
The fate of the measure is uncertain in the Texas House..
Speaker Joe Straus allowed it to die in the regular session by using parliamentary maneuvers.. There is speculation Straus could try the same techniques again, or gofar as to adjourn the House completely, which he has the authority to do, beforemthe thirty day special'session is over.