LGBT rights

Now, Texans will not be able to change the sex on their licenses unless it is to fix a clerical error.

Paxton, a Republican who has worked for years to block gender-affirming care for minors, has begun targeting out-of-state clinics and organizations that work with transgender youth.

The so-called “Patriotism not Pride Act” would bar state agencies from displaying gay Pride flags on their grounds, and would also prohibit state resources from being used to endorse Pride activities through flyers or even on social media.

The departure of the churches in Kansas and Nebraska comes as UMC congregations around the country are debating the UMC position “that all people are of sacred worth and are equally valuable in the sight of God.”

Under a recent anti-LGBTQ law passed by the Kansas Legislature, transgender residents will be prohibited from changing the sex on their driver’s licenses and other official documents. When the law takes effect July 1, lawyers and advocates say it could lead to harassment and discrimination.

The version of Senate Bill 12 preliminarily passed by the Texas House excludes language targeting drag performers — a big change from the version the Senate passed last month.

The measure now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for his signature. The ACLU of Texas has already vowed to sue.

Gender-affirming health care is a large focus of this year’s legislative session, with bills like SB 14 that would ban care for minors in the state and penalize doctors offering this care. Families, trans youth and advocates share how it’s felt to live in Texas during this moment of uncertainty.

Among other things, Senate Bill 613 would punish doctors found in violation of the law by having their licenses revoked and charging them with a felony that could result in up to $100,000 in fines or ten years in prison.

One bill would ban gender-affirming care, the other would ban trans college athletes from sports teams that match their gender identity.