State Sen. Bob Hall (R-Edgewood) is adding his support to a special session’s agenda items, which include keeping the freedom of choice to get vaccinated and also banning gender-affirming treatment in children.
The 11-item special session agenda was announced by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) on July 7. Its items are issues that could not be addressed during the normal session and are all items that the governor has previously mentioned he would like passed.
“Two of my emergency items, along with other important legislation, did not make it to my desk during the regular session, and we have a responsibility to finish the job on behalf of all Texans,” Abbott said in a statement. “I look forward to working with my partners in the Legislature to pass this legislation as we build a brighter future for all who call Texas home.”
The issues are being handled one at a time for passage before the legislators tackle the next item. One of those items is gender-affirming treatment for minors.
“While I’m pleased to find my request for addressing the border added, I am hopeful that this is just one part of this current call and the governor will add health freedom (ban on vaccine mandates) and the protection of our children (ban on gender mutilation of minors),” Hall said in a Facebook post.
Hall authored SB1311, which would prevent doctors from performing gender-affirming treatments to children and result in the revoking of licenses for doctors who resist.
“I think it’s just the right time to protect these children, to not do this. It was wrong yesterday, it is wrong today and it will be wrong tomorrow to not protect those who cannot protect themselves,” Hall said.
Hall believes that the decision to transition to another gender is a decision that should not be made until an individual is an adult and can better understand the consequences.
Hall filed legislation during the regular legislative session that was meant to fight discrimination due to vaccination choice but it was unsuccessful.
SB 1646 is another bill regarding gender-related issues and claims that parents who permit gender-affirming treatment in their children are committing child abuse and are at risk of losing custody of their children.