Release: Texas House Hears Bill on Women’s Bill of Rights, Defines Woman

Austin, TX – April 25, 2025: Today, the Texas House of Representatives Committee on State Affairs will have a public hearing on HB 229, the Women’s Bill of Rights, by Representative Ellen Troxclair. The bill will define woman and man based on the biological reproductive system. The bill would seek to grant legal protection to defend women’s single-sex spaces and opportunities.

Mary Elizabeth Castle, Director of Government Relations for Texas Values said:

“Bureaucrats, schools, and even the Biden Administration have tried to redefine “sex” to include “gender identity” for years. This has led to men in women’s sports, locker rooms, and sororities. HB 229 is needed to make sure that women like myself are not erased. The term “woman” is not a costume, it is a biological reality that deserves dignity and respect in the law”.

Recently, the Biden Administration attempted to redefine “sex” in Title IX by including gender identity. However, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order declaring there are only two sexes, “male” and “female”.  Governor Greg Abbott sent a letter to state agencies requesting that they acknowledge the President’s Executive Order stating there are only 2 sexes.

Texas currently has laws that keep men out of women’s sports (HB 25 and SB 15).  Women’s sports leader Riley Gaines, who has supported bills like HB 229 in other states, is in support of the bill and will be submitting written testimony.

Texas Values policy team is available for comment. For media inquiries, contact Ashley at media@txvalues.org or (737) 314-2450 (m).

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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.