Protecting Kids, Fighting for Truth

President Trump said it right in his inaugural address: “There are only two genders.” To many of us, that’s just common sense. But in today’s deviant culture, saying something that simple—and true—takes courage. And in Texas, we believe it’s time our laws stood just as strong.

Here in rural Texas, we haven’t lost sight of what’s right. We still believe boys are boys, girls are girls, and children deserve to be protected. That’s exactly why you sent me to Austin: to stand strong for Texas values, defend the truth, and push back against radical ideologies that have no place in our schools, our healthcare system, or our laws.

Last session, I took a stand and helped ban gender modification surgeries on kids. That was a huge win for Texas families—and a clear message to the woke left: leave our children alone.

This session, I’m incredibly grateful to Speaker Burrows, who has ensured that radical transgender ideology bills never made it to the House floor. His leadership has been vital to protecting our children. I’m also deeply humbled by President Trump’s endorsement—a reminder that the work we’re doing in Texas to give our children bright futures is being recognized at the highest levels.

But we’re not done. The fight isn’t over. The left is still working overtime to push their dangerous agenda and erase biological truth.

This session, we’re stopping the spread of radical gender ideology in our classrooms, our communities, and our healthcare system. We’re holding people accountable—and we’re making sure children who’ve already been harmed have a path to justice and healing.

That’s why I’m proud to be a co-author of House Bill 229, which just passed the House. HB 229 ensures that when state agencies collect data or create policies, they’re using biological sex—not self-declared identities. That might sound like a technical detail, but it has real-world impact. Whether it’s protecting the privacy of girls in school locker rooms or preserving fairness in women’s sports, this bill puts Texas on solid ground and keeps common sense at the core of our laws.

We’re also working to protect those who have already been harmed. House Bill 1088 extends the statute of limitations for health care liability claims involving gender modification procedures previously performed on minors. These are often life-altering, irreversible decisions made when a child is too young to fully understand the consequences. Many young people regret them—but by the time they’re ready to seek justice, the legal clock has run out. HB 1088 gives them the time they deserve to hold people accountable.

And we’re not stopping there. I’m a co-author of House Bill 344, which puts a stop to sexual orientation and gender identity instruction in public schools. There is no place for this sort of discussion or instruction in our classrooms. Our children deserve a real education, not political indoctrination.

Let me be crystal clear: this is not about attacking teachers. In fact, I want to lift up the amazing, dedicated educators across House District 13 who do their jobs the right way every day. Our rural teachers are focused on what matters—teaching math, reading, science, and history—and they do it with heart. The problems we’re seeing are coming from urban, liberal districts where outside agendas are creeping into the classroom. HB 344 keeps Texas schools focused on learning—not social experiments.

These aren’t fringe issues. They’re front-line cultural battles that go to the heart of who we are and what kind of future we want for Texas. Yes, we’re still delivering on property tax relief, border security, and strong support for rural communities. But we can’t ignore the cultural fight that’s happening right alongside those priorities. Because if we lose sight of truth, we lose everything else with it.

Most Texans still know the difference between right and wrong. They still believe in God-given truth, biological reality, and the duty we all have to protect the next generation. As your voice in Austin, I promise to keep fighting for those values—loudly, clearly, and without apology.

Thank you for reading my weekly column! Make sure you stay connected and informed about the legislative process by calling our Capitol office at (512) 463-0600 or by following my social media page at www.facebook.com/AngeliaOrrForTX.

– Conservative State Representative Angelia Orr