Texas Lawmakers Clash Over SB 8 as Bible Verses Take Center Stage
In a heated session in Austin, Texas lawmakers debated the contentious Senate Bill 8, a measure that would restrict access to opposite-sex bathrooms in government buildings and public schools, bringing biblical references into the political arena.
After a rigorous four-hour debate, the Texas House approved Senate Bill 8, known as the “Texas Women’s Privacy Act,” with an 86-43 vote. The legislation also restricts access to women’s domestic violence shelters for men identifying as female, unless they are under 17 and accompanied by a mother receiving services. An amendment introduced by Rep. Steve Toth, R-Conroe, set fines at $25,000 for the first infraction and $125,000 for further violations, making it the most financially severe bathroom bill in the U.S.
Throughout the debate, lawmakers passionately cited the Bible to support their positions on the bill.
Rep. Angelia Orr, R-Itasca, a backer of the bill, emphasized the importance of safety and privacy for females, declaring, “The preference of someone’s sexual appearance does not override the safety and privacy of a biological female.” She clarified that the bill targets public institutions, not private entities.
Conversely, Democrats argued that the bill contradicts Christian teachings. Rep. Rafael Anchia of Dallas County referenced a familiar New Testament verse, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile…” from Galatians 3:28, stressing unity in Christ.
Despite an interruption from an unidentified female lawmaker, Anchia continued, “… Neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Jesus Christ,” urging a rejection of the bill for reasons of faith and conscience.
Anchia also invoked Matthew 7, warning, “Do not judge or you too will be judged. You too will be judged.” He urged colleagues to heed these words when challenging expressions of faith.
In rebuttal, Rep. Hillary Hickland, R-Belton, accused Anchia of misinterpreting the Bible, noting, “A representative quoted from Matthew 7 about judging. I would encourage that representative to keep reading because only a few verses later is a warning of false prophets, wolves in sheep’s clothing.” She supported the bill as a means to protect and honor women.
Also opposing the bill, Rep. John Bryant, D-Dallas, declared, “Everyone is born a child of God, and everyone who is born into this life deserves to be treated that way,” arguing that political motives often lead to behavior that contradicts biblical teachings.
With SB 8’s passage in the Texas Legislature, it now awaits final approval from the state Senate.
For over ten years, Texas lawmakers have debated legislation imposing penalties for restroom use based on sex rather than gender identity. Since 2017, the Texas Senate has passed six bathroom bills, with only one reaching the House that year.
Similar laws have been enacted in over 20 states, including Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and South Carolina, according to the LGBT Movement Advancement Project.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
