Texas

In the political peeing contest between Florida Gov. Rick DeSantis and the equally mature Republicans of Texas, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is taking aim at a favorite target: LGBTQ children. Patrick, who has previously attempted to ostracize transgender youths who play sports, trans adults who use public restrooms and parents who seek gender-affirming care for their trans children, broadened his assault this week, announcing he’ll seek a Florida-style “Don’t Say Gay” law in Texas. “I will make this law a top priority in the next session,” Patrick, a former shock jock, said in a campaign email. Florida’s law blocking lessons about sexual orientation and gender identity to public school students younger than fourth grade has already drawn litigation from groups that say it marginalizes gay people and violates constitutional rights of free speech, equal protection and due process. But apparently what really matters is that the popular and corporate backlash against Florida’s bill offends Patrick’s sensibilities. “I AM DONE WITH DISNEY!” Patrick declared after the company vowed to help repeal the law. Ah, we can hear Patrick now: “Do you want to build a straw-man?” Hell, no. As for the castigated Disney executives, we’re sure they’re coping well, having just “let it go” or merely resolved “we don’t talk about Bruno.” Alas, we Texans don’t have that luxury.