Fact Check: texas wants to make being trans a felony

Fact Check: Texas Wants to Make Being Trans a Felony

What We Know

Recently, a bill was introduced in the Texas legislature that could criminalize the act of identifying as transgender. This proposed legislation, filed by Republican state Rep. Tom Oliverson, aims to classify "gender identity fraud" as a state jail felony. Under this bill, individuals who "knowingly make a false or misleading verbal or written statement" regarding their sex assigned at birth could face significant penalties, including up to two years in jail and fines reaching $10,000 (NBC News, Statesman).

The bill is part of a broader trend in Texas, where lawmakers have introduced numerous bills targeting the rights of transgender individuals. Over 100 anti-trans bills have been filed in recent sessions, although only a handful have passed (Texas Tribune). This specific bill, if enacted, would represent one of the first instances nationally of such a legal classification against transgender identity.

Analysis

The claim that Texas is attempting to make being transgender a felony is substantiated by the introduction of House Bill 3817, which explicitly seeks to penalize individuals based on their gender identity. The bill's language indicates that it is aimed at those who misrepresent their gender on official documents, which could include job applications and other legal forms (Newsweek, USA Today).

Critics of the bill argue that it is part of a larger movement to restrict transgender rights and that it could have chilling effects on the transgender community, discouraging individuals from expressing their gender identity for fear of legal repercussions (Texas Tribune, NBC News). The bill has garnered attention not only for its potential legal implications but also for its alignment with other recent legislative efforts in Texas, such as restrictions on healthcare for transgender individuals and definitions of gender that exclude non-binary identities (Texas Tribune, Texas Tribune).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this issue is generally strong, with major news outlets and advocacy organizations providing coverage. However, it's essential to consider the potential biases of these sources. For instance, while mainstream media may focus on the implications of such legislation, advocacy groups may emphasize the personal and societal impacts on the transgender community.

Conclusion

The claim that Texas wants to make being transgender a felony is True. The introduction of House Bill 3817 clearly outlines a legal framework that could criminalize the identification of transgender individuals under the guise of preventing "gender identity fraud." This proposed legislation reflects a significant shift in how transgender identities are perceived and treated under Texas law, aligning with a broader national trend of increasing restrictions on transgender rights.

Sources

1. Texas bill would make identifying as transgender a state jail felony
2. Texas' new laws affect trans, LGBTQ+ people
3. Transgender People Applying for Jobs Could Face Jail Time Under Texas ...
4. Texas lawmakers pursued dozens of bills affecting LGBTQ people in 2023 ...
5. Here are the new Texas laws that will affect trans and LGBTQ+ people - MSN
6. Texas anti-trans bill would charge people with 'gender ...
7. Texas' HB3817: What Nurses Need to Know About the ...
8. Texas proposed bill could charge transgender people with state felony