Texas lawmakers considering bill to ban gender changes on birth certificates

Lawmakers in the Texas legislature are currently discussing Senate Bill 406, a measure that would prevent individuals in the state from changing the gender marker on their birth certificate to align with their gender identity. This bill is sparking a heated debate in the Texas Senate, with strong opinions on both sides of the issue.

Last year, the Texas Department of Public Safety made a decision to stop allowing changes to gender markers on driver’s licenses unless there was a court order involved. Senate Bill 406 would take this a step further by prohibiting any changes to gender markers on birth certificates, even if a court order is obtained.

Republican state Sen. Mayes Middleton, the sponsor of the bill, emphasized that the goal is not to restrict personal expression but rather to ensure that legal documents accurately reflect factual information. Middleton stated, “Right now, the only way to change sex is by court order, and this bill prevents that.”

During a State Affairs Committee hearing, Megan Benton from the group Texas Values testified that this issue is a matter of public safety and maintaining accurate public records. She expressed concerns that allowing individuals to change their gender markers on official documents could lead to potential misuse and confusion.

However, several transgender individuals shared their perspectives during the committee hearing, feeling that they are unfairly targeted by this proposed legislation. Amanda McLaughlin passionately stated, “I’m not a monster. This is not a fetish for me, and I did not decide to be a woman.” Megan Fairbanks questioned the harm she has caused society, emphasizing that her only intention is to use the bathroom and conduct simple tasks like touching up her makeup.

Landon Richie, the policy coordinator for the Transgender Education Network of Texas, argued that Senate Bill 406 would further isolate transgender individuals and potentially encourage discrimination against this already vulnerable community. Richie expressed concerns that this bill could make transgender individuals targets for discrimination and harm.

Despite the contentious debate, Senate Bill 406 is expected to pass through the Texas Senate and move on to the House for further consideration. This legislative action comes on the heels of other recent measures in Texas, such as the ban on biological men participating in girls’ school sports.

At the federal level, President Donald Trump previously signed an executive order recognizing male and female as the only genders. The ongoing discussions in Texas reflect a broader national conversation around gender identity and the rights of transgender individuals.