Keshet is working with secular LGBTQ+ rights organizations and Jewish organizations to fight for LGBTQ+ equality in Texas. Along with local synagogues, we are working with Equality Texas to mobilize Jewish communities for LGBTQ+ rights. To get involved in Texas, sign up here.
Pro-LGBTQ+ laws
- Nondiscrimination protections in employment on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity
- State is unclear regarding surgical/clinical requirements and/or may require a court order to change gender marker
- State law does not require publication of name change announcement
- However, there are additional restrictions and/or requirements for individuals with a criminal record
- Hate crime law covering sexual orientation only
Anti-LGBTQ+ laws
- There are no protections against discrimination in housing, credit/lending, jury service, or public accommodations for LGBTQ+ people
- Hate crime law does not cover gender identity
- State family leave policies do not include inclusive definitions of spouse/partner/parent/child
- Gay/trans panic defense is not banned
- Gov. Abbott has attempted to institute a ban on gender-affirming medical care, though no law has officially been enacted state agencies have been directed to follow this order
- No adoption or foster care nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ parents
- State explicitly permits state-licensed child welfare agencies to refuse to place and provide services to children and families, including LGBTQ+ people and same-sex couples, if doing so conflicts with their religious beliefs
- No second-parent adoption for unmarried couples
- No nondiscrimination or anti-bullying laws covering LGBTQ+ students
- No conversion therapy ban covering LGBTQ+ youth
- State law prevents transgender students from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity
- Broad religious exemption law which weaponizes religion as justification for LGBTQ+ discrimination
- No gender neutral options on driver’s license or birth certificates
- State law censors discussions of LGBTQ+ people or issues in school (i.e., “Don’t Say Gay or Trans”)
- State law prevents transgender students from using school facilities consistent with their gender
- State law bans schools and districts from passing LGBTQ+ nondiscrimination and/or anti-bullying policies
