Gregory Wayne Abbott (born November 13, 1957) is an American attorney who has served as the 48th governor of Texas since January 20, 2015. A member of the Republican Party, Abbott previously served as the 50th attorney general of Texas from 2002 to 2015. He is the third governor of any U.S. state to permanently use a wheelchair. He is also the first disabled governor in Texas history.
Democrats Help Republicans Ban Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender Kids
Democrats helped their Republican colleagues pass a controversial state bill that would ban transgender youth from getting hormone therapies, puberty blockers and transition-related surgeries.This past Friday, in an initial vote in the House, 12 Democratic state representatives favored passage of Senate Bill 14 after the party successfully delayed the bill on a technicality twice the week before.
Two-thirds of those Democrats said they had meant to vote against the measure.Although nine Democrats moved back in step with the rest of their party in the final vote on Monday, three Democratic representatives voted in favor again, helping Republicans move the bill to the Senate for confirmation.
After that, it goes to Texas Governor Greg Abbott's desk for his signature.SB14 is expected to be one of the most consequential bills in this year's legislative session, severely restricting trans people under 18 from accessing medical care related to transitioning.
Texas has one of the largest transgender youth communities in the country, with 29,800 residents between 13 and 17 who identify as transgender.
