Tex Gov. Greg Abbott got off the fence on the most controversial measure of the current session, saying he would support a watered down version of the bill introduced in the House, known as 'Bathroom Bill Lite,' News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The House begins debating its version of the Senate passed measure today.Abbott announced his support for the House bill in a tweet:
Greg AbbottVerified account @GregAbbott_TXGreg Abbott
I support the principles of both the Senate & House to protect privacy in bathrooms. We will work to get a bill to my desk. #txlege #tcot
Abbott went on to say he backs the House version, which would outlaw individual cities from passing 'Non Discrimination Ordinances' whether they specifically mention public restroom use or not. The Senate bill is far stronger, and would restrict the use of public restrooms to the gender listed on the person's birth certificate.
Prominent Texas political strategist Harold Cook tells News Radio 1200 WOAI the governor had to choose between two types of conservatives, represented by House Speaker Joe Straus and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and he has gone with Straus.
"At the heart of this is that Straus is a business conservative, and Dan Patrick is a Tea Party conservative," Cook said.
Even though the Bathroom Bill comes up today in the House State Affairs Committee, Abbott's endorsement doesn't mean Straus is any more likely to allow the bill through the House. Straus has repeatedly said the measure is unnecessary and would be bad for business.
"There are a whole bunch of issues that Joe Straus thinks should take center stage, and I think he is hell bent on not letting Dan Patrick's culture war issues taking center stage," Cook said.
San Antonio business leaders made it very clear at a news conference on Monday that 'any' bill covering bathroom use whatsoever would be bad for the local tourism industry.
Many supporters pointed out that the bill in the House is essentially the same bill approved in North Carolina last month, which prompted the NCAA and other groups to reverse course and agree to stage events in the Tar Heel State again.