The Week in Quotes (July 16 –22)

Here are some of the week’s most notable quotes.

Revs. Larry Bethune and Stephanie Cooper, writing for Texas Believes, a coalition of faith leaders who support full equality for all Texans, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Texans.

“In most ways, [transgender] children are no different from any other. They are kids who go to school, get involved in extra-curricular activities, make friends and have hopes and dreams like other kids. And just like all other kids at their school, they simply need to use a restroom. But like schoolyard bullies, Patrick and Abbott have chosen to pick on these most vulnerable victims and pressured others into joining their cause. May we remind you: These bullies are picking on children.”

————————————–

TFN President Kathy Miller

“Despite opposition from civil rights organizations, religious leaders and the business community, and despite not one shred of evidence of the privacy and safety issues [Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick] claims makes this legislation necessary, the bathroom bill remains his chief priority.”

————————————–
Stephanie Martinez, an activist with the Transgender Education Network of Texas

“These bills are not about bathrooms and safety and they never have been. They’re meant to limit people from living a full, open and public life.”

————————————–

TFN President Kathy Miller and Lisa Scheps of the Transgender Education Network of Texas

“The truth is simple: Politicians trying to restrict LGBT rights and abortion access tell lies to push their agenda. Then they turn those lies into laws that actively hurt our communities. That’s exactly what Texas lawmakers are trying to do in this special session, where they plan to pursue both a ‘bathroom bill’ and more measures restricting abortion access.”

————————————–
Amy Hagstrom Miller of Whole Woman’s Health, on the latest lawsuit against a Texas abortion restriction.

“It’s very obvious that the intent of the law is to be an abortion ban and to restrict doctors’ decision making. Politicians are tying the hands of doctors and not letting doctors use their expertise.”