AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas House gave final approval to Senate Bill 14 Monday, which bans gender-affirming care for minors.
It now heads back to the Senate, where House changes can either be accepted or it can be sent to committee for changes.
The controversial bill would ban hormone therapies and puberty blockers from minors younger than 18 and ban them from getting transition-related surgeries.
The differences in the bills -- the Senate version mandates an abrupt cutoff from treatment. The House is a more gradual process.
The vote in the House Monday was 87 in favor with 56 against.
Republican representatives say the bill is about protecting Texas children.
“I think it’s important for us in the House to send a message to 30+ million Texans that we care about Texas children and we believe that these children deserve to get the care that they need… mental health assistance," Rep. Tony Tinderholdt (R-District 94) said Friday.
“We are the ones protecting children. It’s the state legislature that’s decided to try to hurt them," Rep. Julie Johnson (D-District 114) countered.
Houston-area transgender activist Eden Rose Torres has gone to the capitol herself to speak up for trans youth and the community.
“Watching this legislative session play out has been alarming, scary, dehumanizing and sad," she said. “If gender-affirming care was taken away, that leaves children not able to thrive and live to the fullest extent of their ability.”
Stay with KHOU 11 News for the very latest from the legislative session.