Breaking: Girls’ Safety & Privacy Law by Odessa Council Passes 5-2
Odessa, TX – October 22, 2024: Odessa City Council met tonight to discuss enacting a new city ordinance to protect the safety and privacy in restroom facilities for women and girls, and passed the new ordinance by a vote of 5-2.. The proposed city ordinance defines sex by biology based on a person’s birth certificate as entered “at or near the time of birth”, similar to language in Texas state law on the Save Women’s Sports issue.
Jonathan Saenz, President & Attorney for Texas Values released the following statement:
“Girls and women are safer in Odessa now because the courageous Odessa City Council updated their local laws with common sense and timely specific guidance. We hope more cities in Texas will follow Odessa’s lead and pass a similar ordinance.”
The proposed ordinance will offer valuable protections to ensure that restroom facilities (also including locker rooms, showers and changing rooms) in public buildings are separated by “biological sex” and that males cannot enter into female restrooms and vice versa. The new law also allows private citizens to enforce the new rules as well.
In addition to Jonathan Saenz testifying in favor of this new ordinance, there were several local residents of Odessa who testified in favor as well and members of the community who have expressed concern about the safety and privacy of girls and women in restrooms, locker rooms and private spaces.
Council members who voted in favor:
- Javier Joven (Mayor)
- Denise Swanner
- Mark Matta
- Greg Connell
- Chris Hanie
Council members who voted against:
- Steve Thompson
- Gilbert Vasquez
Texas Values has been the leading organization, for over a decade, in protecting safety and privacy in restrooms based on biological designation and testified at the meeting tonight.
Members of Texas Values policy team are available for comment. Contact Ashley at media@txvalues.org or 737-314-2450 (m) to schedule an interview.
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About Texas Values
Texas Values is the largest statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to standing for faith, family, and freedom in Texas. More information is available at txvalues.org.