Texas House of Representatives Takes a Step Towards Progress
The Texas House of Representatives has made a significant move by passing a bill to repeal the state’s outdated law banning "homosexual conduct." This law, which has been on the books since 1973, was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court over 20 years ago.
A Narrow Victory
The bill, known as House Bill 1738, faced a close vote, with the initial count showing 56-55 in favor of repeal. However, after a verification process, the final count came to 59-56 in favor of the bill. Several members reported issues with their voting equipment, which led to a temporary discounting of their votes. Despite the challenges, the bill ultimately passed, marking a crucial step towards progress.
The History Behind the Law
The 1973 law has been unenforceable since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2003 ruling that state laws criminalizing consensual sex between people of the same sex were unconstitutional. However, the law has remained on the books due to conservative resistance. State Rep. Venton Jones, one of the first openly gay Black members of the Texas Legislature, sponsored the bill to repeal the outdated law.
A Matter of Commonsense Governance
Jones emphasized the importance of repealing the law, stating, "Members, this is a matter of commonsense governance… I’m asking you to vote on a law that strengthens the fundamental civil liberties and individual freedoms that all Texans deserve." He encouraged his colleagues to vote in favor of the bill, not based on their personal opinions on the Supreme Court’s ruling, but on the principles of individual freedom and limited government interference.
Bipartisan Support
A handful of Republicans, including state Rep. Brian Harrison, crossed party lines to support the bill. Harrison, a conservative, noted that he often disagrees with Jones but chose to support the bill as a matter of limited government. He cited support from prominent conservatives, such as U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who have also spoken out against the law.
A Long Shot in the Senate
Despite the bill’s passage in the House, its chances of success in the Senate are slim. With less than two weeks remaining for the Senate to vote on outstanding House bills, the likelihood of HB 1738 advancing through committee and passing the full Senate is low.
Conclusion
The Texas House of Representatives’ decision to pass House Bill 1738 marks a significant step towards progress and equality. Although the bill faces an uphill battle in the Senate, its passage in the House demonstrates a growing recognition of the need to repeal outdated and discriminatory laws. As the bill moves forward, it is essential for Texans to continue advocating for the principles of individual freedom and limited government interference, ensuring that all citizens are treated with dignity and respect.
