Texas is going to get another chance to get it right. Is it wishful thinking that they will finally remove an illegal anti-gay statute still on its books? Or will it punt again, dragging this out another two years?

The Texas Penal Code contains a law that states “(a) A person commits an offense if he engages in deviate sexual intercourse with another individual of the same sex. (b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor,” which is punishable by up to a $500 fine, but not jail time.

What Will the Texas Legislature Do in 2019?

The Texas legislature will meet again in 2019, and State Representative Moody and State Senator Rodriquez, both Democrats from El Paso, have proposed bills to repeal the statute. For the past decade, such proposals have never made it to the legislative floor for a vote, always dying in committees since many elected officials fear their job would be at risk if they even voted to have the repeal up for a vote. But this year may be different.

Can Apple Computer’s $1 Billion Austin Investment Tip The Scales of Justice?

Back in 1993 in Williamson County, just outside of Austin, the local government had to do a little side-shuffle, and back down from anti-gay sentiment. Apple Computers was promised lucrative tax benefits if it chose Williamson County over two other non-Texas front runners for a new Apple office.

Just last week, Apple Computers announced it would build a $1 billion office complex to hold 15,000 jobs in Austin, the Texas state capitol. Once complete, Apple will become the largest private employer in Austin. If you’ve been to Austin, you know that capitol building sits high and mighty in that town, both figuratively and literally. It will be interesting to see if Apple can lean a little bit on the Texas Legislature to remove this bill, once and for all.

A few states still have anti-gay laws, whether through actual language or enforcement, and most should be considered unconstitutional. The equal protection clause forbids subtle discrimination as much as obvious discrimination. If you or someone you love has been discriminated against, harassed, or charged with a same-sex crime, call a local civil rights attorney. A legal advisor will help you stand up for your constitutional rights, potentially at low or no cost to you.

Related Resources:

  • Find a Civil Rights Attorney Near You (FindLaw’s Lawyer Directory)
  • LGBT Workers Protected From Employment Discrimination, Texas Federal Court Rules (FindLaw Decided)
  • NBA Moves All-Star Game From N.C. Because of Anti-LGBT Law (FindLaw Tarnished Twenty)

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