Controversial Texas bill could make it a felony for transgender individuals to list a gender different from their sex assigned at birth on official documents—potentially leading to jail time. If passed, this law would introduce “Gender Identity Fraud” as a new crime, lumping it alongside identity theft and bribery.
Republican state Representative Tom Oliverson, the bill’s sponsor, has yet to comment on the backlash, but legal experts and LGBTQ+ advocates warn that this proposal is part of a broader effort to restrict transgender rights across the country.
What’s Behind the Bill?
Since his return to the White House, President Donald Trump has doubled down on policies targeting transgender Americans. On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order titled “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government.” This order mandates that all official U.S. documents must use “sex” instead of “gender,” effectively erasing legal recognition of transgender identities on passports, visas, and more.
Trump’s actions mirror a wave of Republican-backed bills across the country aimed at restricting transgender rights. From bathroom bans to sports participation rules, conservative lawmakers have pushed hundreds of measures limiting how transgender individuals can exist in public spaces.
What This Texas Bill Would Do
If passed, the bill would make it illegal for transgender people to provide gender markers that don’t match their birth sex on job applications, government paperwork, or other official documents. Violators could face up to two years in jail and a $10,000 fine under the proposed “Gender Identity Fraud” offense.
Despite its extreme implications, the bill faces significant hurdles. With over 3,800 bills introduced in Texas this legislative session, it ranks low on the priority list. It currently lacks co-sponsors and has yet to be scheduled for a committee hearing, reducing its chances of becoming law.
The Bigger Picture
Texas has a long history of anti-transgender legislation. In 2017, lawmakers attempted to pass a “bathroom bill” that would have barred transgender individuals from using restrooms that align with their gender identity. While that bill failed, the state has since enacted laws restricting transgender student athletes and banning gender-affirming health care for minors.
Other states, such as Florida, have already taken steps to criminalize gender marker changes on IDs, classifying them as fraud. This Texas bill follows a similar path, escalating legal risks for transgender individuals simply trying to live their lives.
The Response
LGBTQ+ advocates are sounding the alarm. Callie Butcher, a Dallas attorney specializing in LGBTQ+ rights, called the bill “terrifying” and part of a larger agenda to police gender identity. Sadie Hernandez of the Transgender Education Network of Texas warned that such legislation could create widespread fear in the transgender community.
Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers pushing these bills claim their goal is to protect “biological truth.” Representative Brent Money recently proposed a separate bill that would ban gender-affirming health care for all Texans—not just minors—despite overwhelming opposition from major medical associations.
What Happens Next?
With anti-trans legislation gaining traction nationwide, this Texas bill is unlikely to be the last of its kind. Even if it fails, its introduction signals a growing push for stricter laws targeting transgender people. As legal battles continue and activists push back, the future of transgender rights in the U.S. remains uncertain.
