Controversial Texas Bill Sparks Protests and Delays in Capitol
Protests erupted in the Texas House gallery as lawmakers were set to debate Senate Bill 14, which would ban gender-affirming care for minors. The bill would prohibit trans youth from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapy, which medical groups say is vital to their mental health. Rep. Mary Gonzalez raised a point of order to block the bill, and protesters in the gallery chanted in opposition. The House Speaker cleared the gallery, and the Texas Department of Public Safety eventually cleared the protesters out of the Capitol altogether. The parliamentary move succeeded in stalling the bill, but people on both sides are still gearing up for the debate on a different day.