That's carpal tunnel waiting to happpen

Ope, I've been told no photos, so no more photos of the huge gavel. I'm so sorry.

I wish I could show you a photo of out Representative Jessica González and other opponents of the bill queued up to speak and support each other.

Time for SB 8. The author of the bill, Senator Mayes Middleton, is now speaking, sharing the same anti-trans, trans misogynoir that she shared at the hearing last week. Middleton is also surrounded by supporters. The image of the two groups is striking.

People are continuing to speak while Middleton is giving her summary and justification for the bill. There are capital police with guns patrolling the gallery.

There are now audible cheers and shouts from the rotunda outside the chambers.

Middleton preemptively answering questions about why the bill is necessary if they are so few trans people in Texas. "There is no compromise."

Rep González now asking questions of Sen Middleton. "What incidents can you point to?" Middleton points to two incidents. González asks about any harm to folks from these incidents. Middleton says "privacy and dignity."

González asking what safeguards are in place to protect people who might be harassed based on their perceived gender identity. Middleton clarifies that the safeguards are for women and girls. González asks about people who might be harassed. Middleton: "Like a man?"

Rep González pointing out that there have been multiple reports of cis women being harassed in the bathroom. Middleton demures: "Sex is defined at birth, is on your birth certificate." González: "So I'll have to carry my birth certificate into the bathroom?"

González: "So who is going to be enforcing who can use the bathroom?" Middleton: "That's up to the city, the agency." González: "So they have to be the potty police."