CEO DATELINE - Business groups applaud failure of Texas bathroom bill
CEO DATELINE - Business groups applaud failure of Texas bathroom bill
- August 17, 2017 |
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Walt Williams
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For the second time this year, Texas lawmakers have failed to pass legislation prohibiting people from using public restrooms not corresponding to their sex at the time of birth, handing a victory to business groups that opposed the bill.
The Texas Legislature ended a special session Wednesday without having passed a "bathroom bill" sought by Gov. Greg Abbott, ABC News reported. A similar proposal failed to gain traction during the legislature's regular session earlier this year. http://abcn.ws/2ia6Wx1
The bill's failure leaves North Carolina as the only state restricting transgender access to public restrooms. Several business leaders and associations united to fight the Texas bill, saying it would drive away business from the Lone Star State.
"ASAE commends Texas legislators, in particular Speaker Joe Straus, for having the courage to block any so-called bathroom bills from being passed in this 30-day special session," ASAE CEO John Graham said in a statement.
"This is an issue that could emerge again when the Texas Legislature reconvenes in two years or perhaps sooner, or in other states where associations hold meetings or conduct business," Graham said. "With the support of ASAE's Board of Directors, ASAE will remain vigilant in opposing all legislation that we view to be discriminatory against segments of our community." http://bit.ly/2w5LWgC
The technology industry association TechNet also weighed in, calling the bill's defeat "a significant milestone in the effort to keep Texas open for business to all, including members of the LGBT community."
"A coalition of business and community leaders joined with members of the legislature to block harmful and discriminatory legislation because we knew it would negatively impact our ability to attract, recruit, and retain top talent, and drive economic growth here in Texas," said Caroline Joiner, TechNet's executive director for Texas and the Southeast. http://bit.ly/2wdWxqn
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