Texas becomes 20th US state to enact trans bathroom ban
– 1 min read
Texas has officially become the 20th US state to implement a law banning transgender individuals from using public bathrooms that align with their gender identity. Governor Greg Abbott signed the controversial legislation on 22 September, declaring it a “common sense public safety issue”.
The new law, which takes effect on 4 December 2025, applies to state-owned buildings, public schools, universities, prisons, and domestic violence shelters. Under the measure, trans people must use facilities that correspond with their sex assigned at birth. Institutions found in violation could face fines of up to $125,000 (£93,000).
Texas first attempted to pass similar legislation in 2015 and 2017, but those efforts failed amid widespread backlash and boycotts. The political climate has since shifted, allowing the bill to pass through the Republican-controlled legislature this year.
Is it your intention to run trans people out of the state of Texas?
Governor Abbott shared a video of himself signing the bill on social media, stating “I signed a law banning men in women’s restrooms. It is a common sense public safety issue.”
Opponents argue the law is discriminatory and will increase harassment against transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals.
Democratic Representative Jessica González, chair of the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus, warned: “All Texans will be put at risk of harassment and violence. It targets any individual whose appearance does not align with traditional standards of gender presentation.”
Representative Erin Zwiener questioned the bill’s intent during debate: “Is it your intention to run trans people out of the state of Texas?”
Republican supporters, including Representative Angelia Orr, defended the measure as necessary to “protect women and girls,” though critics note there is no evidence of safety risks posed by transgender individuals in public restrooms.
