AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Senate has officially passed the so-called bathroom bill, a controversial measure that has divided lawmakers and caused an uproar in the LGBT community.
After more than 4 1/2 hours of debate Tuesday, the bill was given preliminary approval by a vote of 21-10, mostly along party lines. One Democrat, Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. of Brownsville, broke with his party and voted in favor of the bill.
On Wednesday, the Senate voted 21-10 to formally approve the bill and send it to the Texas House, which is also Republican-dominated but whose members are far less eager to take up the legislation.
“Don’t think I don’t pray about this and make sure we’re making the right decision,” Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, the Brenham Republican who is sponsoring the bill, said. “I think it is incumbent upon us to give guidance.