Texas Passes Ban on LGBTQ+ School Clubs, Programs

The Texas Legislature has passed Senate Bill 12, known as the 'Parent’s Bill of Rights,' which, if signed by Governor Greg Abbott, will ban public and charter schools from sponsoring student clubs based on sexual orientation or gender identity and prohibit instruction or programming acknowledging LGBTQ+ topics. The bill, backed by Republican lawmakers and opposed by Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates, also bans diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in K-12 schools unless mandated by law, and expands parental authority over their child's education and club participation. Supporters claim the bill protects parental rights and prevents perceived ideological indoctrination, while critics argue it will endanger LGBTQ+ students by removing supportive spaces and erasing their visibility. The bill has sparked intense debate, with Democratic lawmakers describing it as hateful and dangerous, and sharing personal stories about the positive impact of LGBTQ+ clubs. The bill’s sponsor defended the measure as necessary to prevent the 'sexualization' of children, but later apologized for calling LGBTQ+ clubs 'sex clubs.' This legislation is part of a broader conservative initiative to reshape Texas public education policy.