Testimony continues as Texas Senate considers controversial 'bathroom bill'

AUSTIN, Texas – Testimony resumed Tuesday afternoon before a Texas Senate Committee considering Senate Bill 6, which is known as the “bathroom bill.”

The committee recessed while the full Senate met on other matters midday Tuesday.

The hearing began before the Senate Affairs Committee with testimony from dozens of invited speakers including the lieutenant governor of North Carolina, whose state passed a similar measure.

By midday, more than 350 people had signed up to offer public testimony on the bill that would require Texans to use the bathroom that coincides with the sex listed on their birth certificate.

The transgender community said the bill discriminates and would put people at risk.

Aaron Richie, of Missouri City, came to the hearing with his 14-year-old child.

"I've seen firsthand the difficulty that being trans has caused for him in Texas and even in our community," Richie said.

But supporters said they know what it means to keep women and children and safe.

"Men should not be allowed in women’s restrooms, showers or locker rooms. And we need to say that from the state level," attorney and supporter Jared Woodfill, of Houston, said.

Testimony was expected to continue late into the night Tuesday.

If the committee sends the bill to the full Texas Senate, it would then go to the Texas House of Representatives for consideration.

If it passes the House, it would then go to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature.