Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons spoke out against Texas’ Senate Bill 8 during the state’s special legislative session last month. Senate Bill 8, which goes into effect on Dec. 4, restricts bathroom use in government buildings and schools to the sex assigned at birth. In her remarks, Simmons highlighted how such laws can put trans women, particularly Black trans women, at greater risk of violence, while also exposing cisgender women who don’t fit narrow gender stereotypes to harassment. She noted that SB 8 could incentivise frivolous claims, waste taxpayer dollars, and deepen divisions among Texans. While acknowledging her frustration at having to debate the measure, Simmons stressed the importance of ensuring protections are in place for those who may be unfairly targeted by SB 8. #Texas #USPolitics #LaurenSimmons #LGBTQIA #transgender #SB8