SACRAMENTO –The California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and Equality California categorically rebuked Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s vile and transphobic attack on transgender children and their families Wednesday. Weaponizing the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services against parents who simply seek to allow their children to live their authentic lives is the state’s latest — and most egregious — violation of the civil rights of transgender Texans.
“This reckless directive is nothing short of state-sponsored surveillance, harassment and intimidation of trans children and their families,” said Equality California Executive Director Tony Hoang. “Governor Abbott is once again attempting to use children as political pawns for his reelection campaign. That isn’t just offensive; it’s dangerous. It’s up to every single one of us to love, protect and empower trans youth — and hold those who attack them accountable. We will continue to stand with our partners at Transgender Education Network of Texas and Equality Texas and with trans people everywhere.”
It is clear that the only abuse here is Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton’s attempt to use prosecutorial powers against Trans and nonbinary families for supporting their children.
“You expect to see a decision like this coming from Qatar or Saudi Arabia. This blatant political weaponization of our community will result in a humanitarian crisis in the state of Texas. The casualties of which will impact far more than the LGBTQ+ community. Texas leaders need to focus on protecting those most vulnerable rather than targeting LGBTQ+ young people and their loving families,” said Assemblymember Evan Low, Chair of the California LGBTQ Caucus.
This rhetoric creates fear and harm to the health of Trans and nonbinary children and their families. This direct attack on Trans and nonbinary youth will lead to an increase of false reports, bullying, and harassment directed towards them, their parents and guardians. In addition, an increase in depression, homelessness and suicide as youth are separated from their supportive families and placed in the foster care system.
“As a social worker I was bound by the social worker code of ethics to empower and support the self-determination of all people. As a State Senator I am still guided by those ethics, but now am bound to the preservation of our state and federal constitution. This abhorrent decision from Governor Abbot is a mockery of all three. I stand in support of all Texas families and youth in urging Texas DFPS to reject this attack on Trans youth and their families,” said Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman, Vice Chair of the California LGBTQ Caucus.
California stands ready to accept with open arms any families that have been made a refugee of Governor Abbot’s horrific and detrimental directive.
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Equality California is the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We bring the voices of LGBTQ people and allies to institutions of power in California and across the United States, striving to create a world that is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people. We advance civil rights and social justice by inspiring, advocating and mobilizing through an inclusive movement that works tirelessly on behalf of those we serve. www.eqca.org
