A Texas Senate hearing on Senate Bill 7 — legislation that would restrict restroom and locker room access in public buildings based on biological sex — became heated this week after testimony from Dallas-based political commentator and comedian Alex Stein drew backlash from activists in the chamber.

Stein, host of the internet show Primetime with Alex Stein, appeared before the Senate State Affairs Committee in support of the measure, which would require individuals in state, county, and municipal buildings — including public schools, prisons, and women’s shelters — to use restrooms that align with the biological sex listed on their birth certificate.

His comments, which blended biting satire with blunt criticism of gender ideology, drew audible outrage from leftist activists in the chamber and quickly went viral online — as seen in a video excerpt posted by Current Revolt.

During the testimony, Stein mocked the modern idea of “inclusion” being used to justify male access to private female spaces, framing it as more of an objective scientific issue, and threat to objective safety, rather than an idea open to progressive manipulation.

He would go on to testify that men generally don’t feel threatened by women in their restrooms, but that allowing biological males into women’s restrooms poses a legitimate concern. A concern that is scientifically recognized by anyone who can recognize imposition, safety, and size of another human.

At one point, Stein joked about gambling on transgender athletes through DraftKings, using satire to highlight the biological advantages male-born athletes bring to women’s competitions. He pointed to Lia Thomas — a biological male swimmer who rose from a low men’s ranking to win an NCAA women’s title — as a glaring example of how those advantages can undermine fairness in female sports.

The most intense backlash came after Stein used terms like “Lady Boy” to describe men identifying as women, prompting groans from attendees. Some activists reportedly began crying during and after his remarks.

Stein’s girlfriend, Paige Wallace, also testified in support of the bill, calling it disturbing to see grown men “playing dress-up” and demanding access to women’s restrooms.

“It was honestly really disturbing just to see how many men were literally playing dress-up,” Wallace said. “We’re fighting to keep them out of the women’s bathroom, in our locker rooms. It’s really uncomfortable.”

“These people get more outraged because we are having common sense and we’re finally doing something about it,” she added.

The bill under debate seeks to codify restroom access based on biological sex in public facilities across Texas.

Senate Committee Approves SB 7

Following over 100 testimonies both for and against the bill, the Senate State Affairs Committee approved SB 7 on Monday. The bill would restrict restroom and locker room access in government buildings, public schools, prisons, and women’s shelters based on biological sex.

Sen. Mayes Middleton (R‑Galveston), who authored the bill, described it as upholding “biological and biblical truths,” adding that SB 7 contains stronger enforcement tools than previous versions. Schools or public agencies that allow violations would face $5,000 fines for a first offense, rising to $25,000 for subsequent violations.

Opponents of the bill argued it could lead to discriminatory enforcement and discourage victims from seeking help at shelters. Supporters countered that the legislation is necessary to protect the privacy and safety of women and girls in vulnerable spaces.

If passed, SB 7 would take effect in September. However, similar bills have historically died in the Texas House — and with the current quorum broken by House Democrats over redistricting, its path forward remains uncertain.