This week, people of faith joined with thousands of Texans from across the state to oppose legislation that would prohibit health care professionals from delivering gender-affirming care to Texans under 18. In partnership with Texas Impact, members of the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary community led a 17-hour prayer vigil in the Capitol’s outdoor rotunda during the committee hearing on HB 1686, which would ban gender affirming care for minors.
The vigil began with the singing of Taizé songs, and included reflections from national Presbyterian leader Brian Ellison and Lutheran Bishop Michael Rinehart, who prayed “for all who are tempted by the wiles of hate that lead us away from love of neighbor.” The vigil was part of “The Fight for Our Lives” day of protest organized by Equality Texas and others, which featured indigenous Mexican dancer/activists; a rally; and a “die-in” protest when the hearing ended arbitrarily before most of the bill’s 2,800 registered opponents had the opportunity to speak.
Elsewhere in the Capitol, committees heard testimony on bills that would depress renewable energy development and suppress Texans’ votes. Josh testified against a bill that would authorize sectarian prayers and Bible readings in public schools. And Sen. Hinojosa expressed concern that SB2424 could create “prison camps” on the Texas-Mexico border.
Texas Impact members have made more than 3,000 calls to legislative offices in the past four weeks, and we know you are ready to make as many more as necessary to prevent harmful, hateful legislation from becoming law. We’re excited to see your letters to the editor getting printed and op-eds getting picked up in media around the state!
Read Bishop Briner/Bishop Ryan Op-Ed on Gender Affirming Care
We know it’s not fun or easy to make some of those calls. Be assured: your work and witness matter.