HomeMy WebLinkAbout21-1008RESOLUTIONNO. 21-1008
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF DENTON SUPPORTING THE ISSUANCE OF A LETTER
OF OPPOSITION TO SENATE BILL 29, SENATE BILL 1646 AND HOUSE BILL 1399
WHICH ARE BEING CONSIDERED IN THE 87TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE, THAT WOULD
ADVERSELY AFFECT TRANSGENDER MEMBERS OF THE DENTON COMMUNITY;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the 87th Session ofthe Texas Legislature is currently debating and considering
legislation that affects access to medical care and athletic programs by transgender and gender
nonconforming youth; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 1646 would classify as child abuse the issuance of medically
supported, gender affirming care and House Bill 1399 would create barriers for certain medical
care viewed as assisting with a gender transition; and
WHEREAS, Senate Bill 29 would require public school students to compete in
interscholastic athletic competitions based on biological sex as opposed to gender identity; and
WHEREAS, mental health and child welfare stakeholders, including the American
Medical Association, American Pediatric Association, and the American Psychological
Association, have expressed concerns over the potential consequences of such legislation for
families, transgender children, mental health and medical professionals, and those working in and
around the child welfare system; and
WHEREAS, discrimination, stigma, and limited access to gender-affirming care contribute
to higher rates of suicide, anxiety, and disparate health outcomes in transgender or gender
nonconforming persons; and
WHEREAS, transgender and gender nonconforming youth have the right to engage with
and be treated by healthcare providers and their educational system in a manner that honors their
gender identity and expression; and
WHEREAS, a majority of the City Council has expressed that Senate Bill 29, Senate Bill
1646, and House Bill 1399, that are currently being considered by the 87th Texas Legislature would
adversely and unnecessarily affect transgender and gender nonconforming members of the Denton
community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council directed staff during the May 11, 2021 City Council Work
Session to issue a letter of opposition to these bills; NOW, THEREFORE,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY RESOLVES:
SECTION 1. The City hereby adopts and incorporates the above referenced findings in this
resolution.
SECTION 2. The City hereby confirms the prior direction to staff to issue a letter to
members of the 87th Texas Legislature and the City of Denton Legislative Delegation expressing
opposition to Senate Bill 29, Senate Bill 1646, House Bill 1399, and other similar legislation that
would adversely affect transgender members of the Denton community.
SECTION 3. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage and
approval.
S e C O n d e: hEy 1% i: : 1C::r\a P R = 1EIp1p! !! r e S 0 1 U tion was mR Use dal
the following vote [I - A
Aye Nay Abstain,/Absent
Mayor, Gerard Hudspeth:
Vicki Byrd, District 1:34
V,/Brian Beck. District 2:
Jesse Davis, District 3 :Ir
Alison Maguire, District 4:./
Deb Armintor, At Large Place 5 : /
Paul Meltzer, At Large Place 6:,“
PASSED AND APPROVED this the { { a day of PICk\I _, 2021.
4/ r=–// /
GERARD HUDSPETH, MAYOR
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ATTEST:
ROSA RIOS, CITY SECRETARY BUt 111111
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APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM:
AARON LEAL, CITY ATTORNEY
BY:
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