Texas is set to join the ranks of at least 17 other states by prohibiting hormone therapies, puberty blockers, and sex change surgeries for minors.
On Wednesday, the state Legislature passed Senate Bill 14 (pdf), sending it to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for signing.
The bill, which sailed through the GOP-controlled House (87–56) on Monday and the Senate (19–12) on Wednesday, has been championed by Republicans and advocates as a measure to safeguard children from life-altering medical procedures.
While the House vote was mostly along party lines, four Democrats voted with Republicans to approve the measure. They include state Reps. Harold Dutton of Houston, Tracy King of Batesville, Shawn Thierry of Houston, and Abel Herrero of Robstown….