Public space gender restrictions, chemical abortion pill ban laws now in effect

(The Center Square) – New laws are now in effect designed to protect women and girls including in publicly funded spaces and throughout state code, which now defines sex-based terms. A new chemical abortion pill ban is also now effective statewide.

The Texas Women’s Privacy Act, filed by state Sen. Mayes Middleton, R-Galveston, state Rep. Angelia Orr, R-Itasca, and multiple cosponsors, is now in effect. It requires political subdivisions and state agencies to implement policies to ensure that private spaces they own or control are designated for use by individuals based on their biological sex. This includes publicly funded bathrooms, domestic abuse shelters, locker rooms among others.

The new law imposes a civil penalty of $25,000 for the first violation and $125,000 for the second or s...