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.
Texas Gov. Abbott Signs Bill Banning Transgender Athletes In College Sports
Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott signed a controversial bill on Thursday barring transgender college athletes in the state from competing in sports that align with their gender identity.
The new law expands upon a 2021 law that banned transgender students in K-12 Texas school districts and some charter schools from doing the same.
It will take effect on September 1, according to a news release from Abbott. Abbott framed Senate Bill 15, titled the “Save Women’s Sports Act,” as necessary to protect female athletes from unfair competition. “Women’s sports are being threatened.
Some women are being forced to compete against biological men,” he said during a signing event Thursday. The new law now allows individuals to sue institutions that allow trans athletes to compete on teams that align with their gender identity.
