Yesterday was largely dominated by the horrific new anti-abortion bill that went into effect in Texas but that’s not the state’s only new terrible law. In fact, there are a full (and suspiciously numbered) 666 new laws in Texas as of yesterday, September 1st. Here are some of the worst:
Permitless Carry
Texans 21 and older no longer need a permit to carry a handgun, either openly or concealed, so long as they’re not otherwise prohibited to do so by another law. Previously, Texans needed a license to carry a gun, which required a background check, training, and a proficiency exam. According to KSAT, “Police unions from most major Texas cities and several handgun instructors opposed the law when it was introduced.”
Today in Texas you can carry a gun without a permit but you can’t register to vote online or get an abortion after 6 weeks
— Ari Berman (@AriBerman) September 1, 2021
To recap: right now in Texas people CAN sue you for seeking abortion services, but the state CANNOT ask you if you have a gun.
— Elie Mystal (@ElieNYC) September 1, 2021
Anti-anti-racism
Social studies curricula can no longer include discussions about systemic racism, making it pretty hard to teach about major parts of the country’s history like slavery and segregation. The bill also forbids educators from giving assignments, including extra credit, involving civic participation like letter writing or political or social advocacy internships.
The 1836 Project
Republicans really hate the New York Times’ “1619 Project,” which aims to reframe the history of the United States around the first slave ships to hit the colonies. Texas Republicans hate it so much that they introduced the 1836 Project as their own petty vengeance for being asked to examine the country’s history of racism. This bill centers on the year Texas gained its independence from Mexico but critics are understandably worried that this “patriotic education” will gloss over, if not entirely erase, elements of racism from the state’s history.
“One controversial aspect of the 1836 Project is its name,” writes the Texas Tribune. “Some critics have pointed out that Texas’ independence didn’t apply to all of those living in the state at the time, such as slaves and indigenous groups. The Constitution of the Republic of Texas, passed in 1836, legalized slavery and excluded indigenous groups from gaining independence.”
“Star Spangled Banner Protection Act”
Yup, another law mandating “patriotism.” This law requires pro sports teams to play the national anthem before games or lose their state funding.
Criminalized homeless encampments
It is now a misdemeanor for unhoused people to camp in unapproved public places, punishable by a fine of up to $500. Cities and counties cannot opt out of the ban, as Austin previously had.
Abortion is essentially illegal
Of course, the biggest news out of Texas is the ban on abortion after six weeks.
As a reminder, that timeframe doesn’t start at conception, or when a person finds out they’re pregnant, but at the first day of their last period. Six weeks is long before most people even know they’re pregnant.
In addition, this draconian law puts the authority to enforce the ban in the hands of everyday citizens, allowing people to file lawsuits against anyone who performs, receives, or aids the process of an abortion and even going so far as to offer $10,000 rewards (basically bounties) for anyone who wins their suit.
The Texas abortion law allows any random stranger to bring a lawsuit against any individual who “aids or abets” an abortion in Texas after six weeks. Anyone in the country may file such a suit against abortion “abettors” in any Texas state court.https://t.co/jCbcKkCv1l
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) September 1, 2021
it’s basically using the law to intimidate
— Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) September 1, 2021
deputizing citizens to suppress the rights of other citizens while courts say “our hands are tied if private citizens are suppressing rights” is some real 1876 shit
— b-boy bouiebaisse (@jbouie) September 2, 2021
Gentle reminders for Wednesday, Sept 1 in Texas:
1. Our clinics are providing abortions in accordance with the law.
2. We unwavering in believing Texans deserve abortion care in their own communities.
3. We love our patients, partners, and supporters.
4. Our work is not over.— Whole Woman’s Health (@WholeWomans) September 1, 2021
(via Texas Tribune, image: Sergio Flores/Getty Images)
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Published: Sep 2, 2021 10:54 am