Texas has joined 19 other states in passing legislation that protects women’s privacy in areas such as restrooms and locker rooms.
Authored by State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R–Galveston), the Women’s Privacy Act will keep biological men out of women’s private spaces. It is enforced by civil penalties and private lawsuits.
The measure was passed by lawmakers last month during the second special session after Gov. Greg Abbott added it to the call.
“I signed a law banning men in women’s restrooms,” Abbott announced on X Monday. “It is a common sense public safety issue.”
Legislation to protect women’s private spaces had been introduced multiple times since 2017, but was continually killed in the House.
“Today Governor Abbott made a historic move in making sure that no woman or little girl has to look over her shoulder with fear when she is in the locker room, restroom, or shower because a man has been allowed to wrongfully enter that space,” said Mary Elizabeth Castle, director of government relations for Texas Values. “After more than 7 years, Texas can finally claim victory on the fight to protect women and girls [sic] privacy.”
I anticipate full cooperation from school districts, correctional facilities, and governmental entities when the law goes into effect later this year. You don’t mess with Texas women and their dignity.
Payton McNabb, an ambassador for Independent Women’s Voice, provided testimony in favor of the legislation.
McNabb argued that the Women’s Privacy Act completes the protections necessary to preserve women’s and girls’ single-sex spaces.
“When biological males are allowed in women’s private spaces, it is women who pay the price,” said McNabb.
The law will take effect on December 4.
