Videos Show LGBTQ+ Advocates Chanting, Being Detained in Texas Capitol
Senate Bill 14 (SB 14), would prohibit transgender youth from having access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy. The state Senate passed a version of the bill this year, and House lawmakers are expected to do the same as both chambers of the Texas legislature are led by a Republican majority.Under the bill, which would take effect September 1, trans children who have already received such medical care would also be ordered to "wean off the prescription drug over a period of time." Physicians who violate the bill risk having their license revoked in the state of Texas.Protesters in the House gallery started chanting as soon as SB 14 was brought out to the floor, prompting House Speaker Dan Phelan to order the advocates to be cleared from the chamber, reported The Texas Tribune.
In a video captured by Austin American-Statesman reporter Niki Griswold, protesters can be heard chanting as they're funneled out of the gallery: "What do we want?
Trans rights. When do we want it? Now."As audience members are cleared out of the gallery, activists chant “Trans rights are human rights” and “What do we want?
Trans rights! When do we want it? Now!” pic.twitter.com/WoMHt0Euk7Griswold also reported of at least one protester being escorted out of the gallery by state police, apparently in handcuffs.
