Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.
This guide provides legal information relevant to the LGBT community. LGBT stands for and includes: lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. The resources in this guide address the unique legal challenges confronted by the LGBT community. These include:
On February 18, 2022, Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an opinion related to gender-affirming care for trans children. In the opinion, Paxton finds that some treatments and procedures constitute "child abuse" under Texas law.
The attorney general issues opinions when something about a law is unclear. Only certain people, such as legislators or agency heads, can request a clarification of the law from the attorney general in the form of an opinion. The attorney general's opinions are not legally binding by themselves but can serve as guidance for enforcing the law.
On February 22, 2022, Governor Abbott sent a letter to the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). The letter instructed DFPS to investigate possible child abuse of trans children due to the treatment they receive.
On October 25, 2021, Governor Abbott signed HB 25. This bill requires trans students playing school sports to play on the team that corresponds with the gender they were assigned at birth. The law uses the birth certificate issued at the time of the student's birth to determine their gender. A student will not be able to use an amended birth certificate with an updated gender marker. The new law went into effect on January 18th, 2022.
There are two important pieces that make up the law about LGBT rights. One piece is the statutes, which are the written laws that make up the United States Code. The other piece is the rulings by courts that say what these statutes mean and who they apply to. The courts also decide whether the statutes violate people's rights and should be struck down.
Supreme Court opinions especially have a big impact on what the law means for LGBT people.
Since 2000, the Supreme Court has decided several landmark cases about LGBTQ rights. The cases listed below were historically important and had a large impact on the law.
The Supreme Court has also denied certiorari for several cases related to rights of LGBT people. This means that the Court refused to hear the case, leaving the previous ruling from the lower court in place.
The links below track pending lawsuits and proposed legislation about LGBT issues.
These organizations are active in promoting legal rights, research, and awareness in Texas.
These organizations are active in promoting legal rights, research, and awareness at the national level.
Texas residents can access e-books and databases with a free library account.
These books are available when you visit the library.
Note The library cannot tell you what the law means for your situation.