HB 900, which bans books on race and gender in public schools, passed the Texas House with Democratic support, according to Tweets from Equality Texas.
The bill was introduced by Frisco Republican Jarred Patterson. Equality Texas says the “Book Burning Act,” seeks to outright censor books with any LGBTQ+ themes, characters, or content and require parental permission to access certain other books.
Rep. Shawn Thierry, D-Austin, who is also an ally/ member of the Texas House LGBTQ Caucus spoke passionately on the House floor in favor HB 900.
Rep. Carl Sherman, D-DeSoto, was one of the 11 Democrats voting for the bill. He was endorsed by Stonewall Democrats in the past.