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3w ago

Texas House Approves Repeal of 1973 Sodomy Ban, Sending Bill to Senate

The House's 72–55 vote marks progress in removing the unenforceable law, but Senate approval and the governor's signature are still required.

Demonstrators in favor of LGBTQ rights rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, DC, October 8, 2019
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Overview

  • House Bill 1738, led by Rep. Venton Jones, passed the Texas House with bipartisan support, including all Democrats and 12 Republicans.
  • The bill eliminates the criminal penalty for homosexual conduct but retains language deeming homosexuality “not acceptable to the general public.”
  • The 1973 sodomy ban has been unenforceable since the U.S. Supreme Court's 2003 Lawrence v. Texas decision, but concerns over dormant laws persist after Roe v. Wade's reversal.
  • The bill now moves to the Texas Senate, where Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has not yet taken a public stance on the matter.
  • Gov. Greg Abbott must sign the measure for it to become law, with the legislative session set to adjourn on June 2, 2025.