4 New Texas Laws Stir LGBTQ+ Controversy

Texas has never shied away from culture wars and in 2025, it's going all in.

From redefining legal gender to banning certain school clubs and cutting off healthcare access, a wave of new laws is reshaping how LGBT+ Texans live, work, and navigate public life.

Supporters say these moves are about restoring biological truth, protecting children, and keeping politics out of the classroom. But critics, and even some moderate conservatives, are pointing out the contradictions.

Here are 5 of the most controversial laws currently reshaping Texas, and the hypocrisies critics say are baked into them:

1. Defining Sex as Biology

House Bill 229 legally defines “sex” based solely on reproductive capacity (ovaries vs. sperm-producing organs).

But if that’s the logic… does that mean women who’ve had hysterectomies aren’t “women” anymore or men who've had vasectomies are no longer defined as "men" by Texas law?

2. Protecting Kids From Permanent Decisions

SB 14 bans gender-affirming care for minors, arguing kids shouldn’t make irreversible decisions. Lawmakers say it's about protecting children’s futures.

Yet, Texas still allows minors to undergo plastic surgery, get married with court approval, or be tried as adults in court. So, which decisions are too permanent?

3. Keeping Politics Out of Classrooms

Senate Bill 12 prohibits K–12 public schools from sponsoring LGBTQ+ clubs and restricts teachers from using chosen names or pronouns.

But schools are still required to display the Ten Commandments and allow Christian clubs, isn’t that also political and identity-based?

4. Bathroom Bounty in Odessa

Odessa’s ordinance bans restroom use by individuals not matching their sex assigned at birth and allows private citizens to sue violating individuals for at least $10K.

But: The law relies on hostile, privacy-invading enforcement. Plus, who verifies “birth sex”? Will this lead to confrontations rather than safe spaces?

Are these changes long-overdue corrections or government overreach?