Texas Senate approves 'bathroom bill'

Senate Bill 6 now goes to Texas House for consideration

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Senate on Wednesday approved the passage of the so-called "Bathroom Bill."

The 21-10 final vote of Senate Bill 6, the Texas Privacy Act, came over opposition from big business, the NFL and hundreds of people who packed the Texas Capitol last week during 13 hours of public testimony.

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"The Texas Privacy Act reflects common decency and common sense and is essential to protect public safety," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. "It protects Texas businesses and codifies what has always been common practice in Texas and everywhere else -- that men, women, boys and girls should use separate, designated restrooms, locker rooms and showers in government buildings and public schools."

The measure would require people to use public bathrooms that correspond with the sex on their birth certificate.

While the hot-button issue was a priority for Patrick and the Senate,  Republican House Speaker Joe Straus has publicly and repeatedly denounced the proposal as bad for business. Straus has stopped short of declaring the bill dead on arrival, but his opposition is significant.

Republican Gov. Greg Abbott also hasn't taken a clear public stance on the bill.

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