State Preservation Board Responds, New Policy Based on Sex!
Earlier this session, we told you about a young staffer named Claire who was approached by a male in the Capitol restroom. Claire told the representative she works for, Representative Andy Hopper, and he sought an answer from the State Preservation Board. For months, there was no answer and no official policy keeping men out of women’s restrooms. While waiting for a policy, many more young women at the Capitol encountered men in the women’s restrooms, including a member of the Texas Values staff, Megan Benton!
This past Friday, the State Preservation Board finally responded to Representative Andy Hopper with an official policy.
“The State Preservation Board maintains public restrooms for visitors, state officials, and employees. All restrooms are clearly designated as “Men’s,” “Women’s,” or “Family Care.” An individual is expected to use the appropriate restroom corresponding with his or her biological sex.”While this policy is good news, women and girls need to be protected in all public restrooms. That is why the Texas Legislature needs to have a public hearing on The Texas Women’s Privacy Act (HB 239, SB 240). We know that there are boys being allowed to use girls’ locker rooms in Texas! We must pass legislation this session to put an end to the erasure of women’s privacy and dignity.
If you agree that restrooms, locker rooms, domestic violence shelters, and sports should be separated by sex, sign our petition here!