New Bill Could Have Transgenders Being Put In Prison For ‘Gender Identity Fraud’

In Texas, a new bill, House Bill 3817, could make it illegal for transgender individuals to reveal their gender identity to government workers or employers, with penalties of up to a $10,000 fine and two years in prison. The bill, introduced by Republican state representative Tom Oliver Singh, classifies this as “gender identity fraud” under the Texas Penal Code, making it a state jail felony. If passed, it would require transgender people to identify as their birth-assigned gender when interacting with officials.

This proposal follows other recent efforts targeting transgender rights, including restrictions on transgender women in sports and military service. Last year, Texas also prohibited transgender individuals from changing their gender on state IDs and driver’s licenses. The ACLU has criticized these actions, arguing they jeopardize the safety and dignity of transgender people, leaving them vulnerable to discrimination and violence.