How Burrows, Phelan, & Abbott Killed a Ban on Sex Change Surgeries in Texas - Episode 140

Today is another one of those heavy process episodes where we dive into how some Republican lawmakers in Austin killed a ban on the gender transitioning of minors.

Though they don’t make the headline, Jared Patterson, Shelby Slawson, and Jeff Leach will make cameo appearances in this saga, and Matt Krause will leap in front of an oncoming bus.

This is a topic we have covered since the beginning of our podcast, but just a few weeks ago, we exposed how Stephanie Klick was specifically involved in the killing of this legislation.

This episode picks up in the fourth quarter of the session, where several players all worked together to kill this bill.

Dustin Burrows and Dade Phelan were definitely the tip of the spear when it came to killing this life-saving policy.

When Burrows’ role was first called out, it was Chris Ekstrom and Sid Miller who teamed up, and Krause who came to Burrows’ rescue. Regardless of how much cover Burrows got, his ultimate role of slow-walking the bill was masterfully executed with an assist from Shelby Slawson and Jared Patterson, two members of the House Calendars Committee who worked together very closely this session.

This below frustrates me. I appreciate folks advocating for good policies (esp when it is my bill! 😀), but I don’t like misinformation. https://t.co/YrWZcfVwxU

HB 1399 just got into Calendars last night. There’s no slow walking here. @Burrows4TX & Cmte literally just got it.

— Matt Krause (@RepMattKrause) April 28, 2021

Dade Phelan needed to kill the policy’s last shot at passing, and Jeff Leach stepped in to help him—right before coming out and proclaiming anger at himself for killing SB 1311.

Will be angered & saddened if SB802 and SB1311 are not calendared & reached by the deadline. These bills are common sense solutions to protect moms, children & families. They should get debate & a vote. We cannot fail this moment or fail to deliver on these vital issues. #txlege

— Jeff Leach (@leachfortexas) May 20, 2021

Finally, Greg Abbott’s early silence—and obfuscation followed by a nefariously crafted letter on gender transitioning—helped ensure that children are still transitioned in Texas.

Mark Davis’ interview, which we play a segment of in this episode, is crucial in understanding just how hard Abbott worked to ensure this issue was not addressed.

This episode is wonky, but really important. Hope you enjoy the episode.

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