The Texas House of Representatives is continuing its pattern of passing controversial resolutions, voting unanimously to honor lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transexual chambers of commerce.
House Resolution 155 by El Paso Democrat State Rep. Mary Gonzales —a self-described “pansexual”—recognizes February 14, 2023, as Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce Advocacy Day at the State Capitol.
That day came and went without a vote on the resolution, following pressure from some conservative lawmakers who promised to vote against it.
Now, one month later, the resolution was approved unanimously by a record vote, after it was packaged alongside nearly 200 other resolutions.
Specifically, the resolution honors the Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and North Texas Chambers of Commerce, citing their leftist legislative agenda:
Having originally joined forces to combat discrimination and promote equality, inclusion, and economic vitality across Texas, the chambers are also pursuing a legislative agenda that includes support for economic development and the promotion of tourism, for comprehensive nondiscrimination legislation that makes Texas a competitive, business-friendly state, for increased funding for public schools, and for improvements to the state’s health care system and its public safety and transportation policies; in addition, the group advocates for racial equity in all sectors of the state, including education, employment, health care, and criminal justice
The “comprehensive nondiscrimination legislation” referenced by the resolution refers to proposals that would allow men in women’s restrooms or prevent employers and businesses from practicing their Religious beliefs. When he was chair of the House State Affairs Committee in 2019, current House Speaker Dade Phelan supported that language, saying he was “done talking about bashing on the gay community.”
Additionally, the resolution celebrates the LGBTQ groups for being a “powerful advocate for the dignity and prosperity of all Texans.”
Ahead of the vote, the Republican Party of Texas stated they were opposed to the resolution for violating the core principles of the party.
The House is set to consider HR 155 which recognizes February 14, 2023, as Texas LGBTQ Chambers of Commerce Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on the Resolution Calendar TODAY. @TexasGOP is opposed to this bill as it violates our core principles. #txlege
— Texas GOP (@TexasGOP) March 8, 2023
Minutes later, however, the resolution was approved.
Texas GOP Chair Matt Rinaldi pointed out the ridiculousness of the House passing the resolution on International Women’s Day.
In case you wanted a status update on the culture war, the Republican-controlled Texas House just passed a resolution honoring men pretending to be women on International Women’s Day.
— Matt Rinaldi (@MattRinaldiTX) March 8, 2023
The pro-LGBT resolution was sent to the the House Resolutions Committee, which is chaired by Democrat State Rep. Bobby Guerra (Mission), before being approved by the entire House.
The vote comes one day after the House approved a resolution celebrating Texas Muslim Capitol Day.
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