Senate Bill 8 Passed by Texas Legislature Would Restrict Bathroom Usage Based on Birth Sex and Awaits Governor Abbott’s Approval
Texas lawmakers have cleared Senate Bill 8, also known as the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, which limits the use of public restrooms, locker rooms, and other gender‐segregated facilities in government buildings, schools, and universities to the sex assigned at birth. The bill passed through both chambers of the legislature—first in the Senate, then the House—after heated debate. Currently, the bill is awaiting Governor Greg Abbott’s signature before it becomes law.
Senate Bill 8 mandates that institutions designate multiple-occupancy private spaces by biological sex. It allows single-occupancy or gender-neutral restrooms when feasible. Facilities that do not comply would face civil penalties. The bill also creates a private right of action for individuals to file complaints or bring lawsuits.
Supporters of the bill argue it ensures privacy and safety for women and girls in intimate spaces. They say it will protect dignity in places like locker rooms and restrooms. Opponents say the law directly impacts transgender and non-binary Texans, creating exclusion and potential harassment. Civil rights groups warn about the discrimination that may arise from enforcing bathroom access only by biological sex.
As of this moment, Governor Abbott has not signed the bill. For it to take effect, he needs to sign it into law. Until that happens, SB 8 remains pending. The discussion over this measure shows how heated and divided opinions are, especially about topics of gender identity, privacy, and rights.
