For the second time this month, the Texas House of Representatives is slated to consider a resolution honoring lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender activists.
Last week, the House unanimously voted for a package of nearly 200 resolutions that included a retroactive commemoration of Feb 14, 2023, as LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce Day at the Texas Capitol.
After voting to approve the bills, 56 members later stated their opposition to the resolution in journal statements—a way of stating opposition to the item without actually voting against it or affecting its passage.
Just one week later, the Texas House is now set to consider another resolution honoring Victor Holmes and Mark Phariss of Plano for making a “lasting, positive difference through their advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Before the Obergefell v. Hodges Supreme Court decision that legalized gay marriage throughout the country, Holmes and Phariss unsuccessfully sued the state of Texas to allow gay marriage.
House Resolution 85 by Democrat State Rep. Mihaela Plesa (Plano) honors the two men for “an unyielding commitment to the advancement of human rights and the LGBTQ+ community,” adding that they have “earned the admiration and appreciation of innumerable people.”
The resolution was placed on Thursday’s calendar after being approved by the House Resolutions Committee. The committee is chaired by Democrat State Rep. Bobby Guerra (Mission), whom House Speaker Dade Phelan appointed to the position.
Five Republicans on the committee approved the resolution’s placement on the calendar, including State Reps. Stan Gerdes (Smithville), Hugh Shine (Temple), Lynn Stucky (Sanger), Kronda Thimesch (Lewisville), and Texas Freedom Caucus member Gary Gates (Richmond).
Shortly after the calendar was made public, State Rep. Tony Tinderholt (R–Arlington) alerted his followers on Twitter, saying he would vote against the entire packet of resolutions.
“We should not celebrate the Left,” said Tinderholt.
ALERT: Dade Phelan’s leadership team is placing another pro LGBTQ+ resolution in this week’s resolution packet (HR 85).
I will be voting against entire packet. We should not celebrate the Left. #txlege
— Rep. Tony Tinderholt (@reptinderholt) March 14, 2023
The House is scheduled to take up the resolution on Thursday, March 16.
