TX Rep. Venton Jones introduces bill to end penalties for "homosexual conduct," & its natl. Christian news.
With efforts to overturn the Supreme Court decision that ruled anti-homosexual sex laws unconstitutional this is of critical importance to Gays, so is Christian attempts to criminalize Gays again.
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Next step is the Texas Senate.
I haven’t gotten a response to this letter. Venton Jones has now reached out.
Venton Jones did reach out about this. I will have an update.
There is an ongoing effort to overturn the Supreme Court ruling of Lawrence vs. Texas
This Supreme Court ruling stated that laws against homosexuality were unconstitutional.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_v._Texas
When Rov v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2022, overturning other Supreme Court decisions came up, including Lawrence vs. Texas.
Politico, July 24, 2022, “ustice Thomas: SCOTUS ‘should reconsider’ contraception, same-sex marriage rulings.”
Justice Clarence Thomas argued in a concurring opinion released on Friday that the Supreme Court “should reconsider” its past rulings codifying rights to contraception access, same-sex relationships and same-sex marriage.
The sweeping suggestion from the current court’s longest-serving justice came in the concurring opinion he authored in response to the court’s ruling revoking the constitutional right to abortion, also released on Friday.
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/06/24/thomas-constitutional-rights-00042256
Afterwards, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said he would defend the law before the Supreme Court.
KXAN, June 29, 2022, “Justice Thomas seeks case to challenge Lawrence v. Texas ruling; Paxton evaluating ‘new territory’”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, in an interview with NewsNation’s Leland Vittert, was asked if he would hypothetically lead a challenge against Lawrence v. Texas, which (if successful) could resurrect a 1973 Texas law that banned same-sex intercourse.
“I don’t know, I’d have to take a look at it,” Paxton said. “This is all new territory for us. I’d have to see how the legislation was laid out and whether we could defend it. If it’s constitutional, we’re going defend it.”
The Hill, June 29, 2022, “Texas AG says he would back law banning sodomy if Supreme Court reconsiders landmark case.”
So it is important to get this anti-homosexual law removed.
Effort to repeal Texas anti-homosexual sex law gets national Christian attention.
Texas State Rep Venton Jones, Democrat of Dallas submited a House Bill 1738 to not have homosexual sex a crime. This got national attention from The Christian Post, a rightwing Christian publication. This is the Text of the Bill.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/billtext/pdf/HB01738I.pdf#navpanes=0
Venton Jones Texas House of Representatives page.
https://house.texas.gov/members/4275
Texas State House Tracking of the Bill is here.
https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB1738
The anti-homosexual law is part of the Texas Penal Code Chapter 21.
The Christian Post, April 15, 2025, “Self-identified Christian lawmaker joins GOP push to repeal Texas ban on 'homosexual conduct'.
Subtitle is:
'God created man and woman for each other': Texans cite Scripture in opposition to HB 1738
From the article:
The bill has attracted support from an unlikely pair of Republicans: former House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, and Rep. Brian Harrison, R-Midlothian. Dade, who was ousted as Speaker earlier this year by Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, has previously voiced support to repeal the sodomy statute, while Harrison supported a similar effort in 2023.
Brian Harrison is a conservative Christian.
In a statement to CP Monday evening, Harrison said: “Criminalizing homosexuality is not the role of government, and I support repealing it along with Senator Cruz, who called to repeal this law years ago, and Justice Clarence Thomas, who called our ban ‘uncommonly silly’ and said, ‘If I were a member of the Texas Legislature, I would vote to repeal it.’ I will continue consistently fighting for limited government and individual liberty.”
Cruz, a notable conservative voice who has garnered the backing of President Donald Trump, has also supported repealing the statute since at least 2022, following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
The article gives the bill a poor chance of passage since there were Christians who testified quoting the Bible to justify having a law against homosexulity. They obviously have no comprehension of a democrac as opposed to theocracy. The usual garbage.
Greg Torres of Sweetwater said the ban “has been a law due to the fact that it is wrong and goes against what the majority of people have always know is wrong, evil and against God.”
“God created man and woman for each other," he added. "Any other type of sexual relationships are an abomination."
Another resident, Brenda Howard of Belton, said her opposition to the repeal was based on “the biblical principle of one man and one woman,” while Jay Roberson of Austin cited Bible passages such as Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, and Leviticus 18:22 to explain his opposition.
Other Christians also vomited up Bible garbage.
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who had earlier stated that the Supreme Court decision to overturn the Lawrence vs. Texas decision, also wants the law repealed. This doesn’t represent a change of view by Thomas. Justic Thomas likely believes these laws should be repeal by the legislatures of a state and not overturned by a Supreme Court decision.
The article points out that earlier attempts in 2917 and 2023 never reach the House floor for a vote.
I am surprised to see Brian Harrison, I have been researching him trying to track down what church he belongs to because of his other retrograde beliefs.
Video of meeting.
The discussion of HB 1783 starts a little after 1:26:11. There is a sticker on the video indicating which bill it covers on the video itself. The Texas Values homophobe testifies starting 1:43:30. All testimony on the bill stops at 1:58:04.
https://house.texas.gov/videos/21614
Click on image.
History of the effort to repeal Texas anti-homosexual laws and the origin of the current law. Houston Chronicle has this indepth story which isn’t behind a paywall.
Houston Chronicle, April 9, 2025, “Texas lawmakers are again trying to repeal the state's gay sex ban. Why can't they?
Efforts to repeal Chapter 21.06 have drawn strange bedfellows. In addition to LGBTQ+ advocates and Democrats like Jones, some conservatives have called for it to be stricken from law. In his dissent in Lawrence v. Texas, arch-conservative Justice Clarence Thomas called Texas' gay sex ban "uncommonly silly" and said that he would repeal it if he were a member of the Texas Legislature (although he still voted with the minority in Lawrence). In 2022, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz also called for it to be repealed, telling the Dallas Morning News that "consenting adults should be able to do what they wish in their private sexual activity." And supporting HB 1738 are two Republican representatives with vastly different philosophies: Former Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) and Rep. Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian), one of the most outspoken opponents of LGBTQ+ rights in the legislature.
https://www.chron.com/culture/article/gay-sex-ban-law-texas-20267143.php
A group called Texas Values Testified against HB 1738. Click on the image. April 8, 2025.
He states that even though the law is unenforceable it serves a purpose to condemn homosexuality.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=662434839527042
Texas Value Facebook group is https://www.facebook.com/texasvalues
Homophobic testimoney against HB 1738.
https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/89R/publiccomments/billhistory/HB01738H.pdf
Greg Torres, Mr, Self, Sweetwater, TX
This is a very bad and immoral bill and it goes against human nature. It has been a law due to the fact that it is wrong and goes against what the majority of people have always know is wrong, evil and against God. God created man and woman for each other. Any other type of sexual relationships are an abomination. Our fore fathers would never have allowed this type of behavior. As a registered Texas voter, I would ask all involved in the decision making vote against repealing this law and leave it in place as it was always meant to be. It has been there for a reason and a very good reason.
Eric Riddle Self, Perryton, TX
I cannot imagine the Great State of Texas decriminalizing acts between two people of the same gender when those acts run contrary to norms in society. Yes, there has been a shift among those who are not offended by thses acts to remove criminal penalties, however I have children, grand childrfen, step children, step grand children and even a great grand daughter who I wish to have protection from heinous acts. This law would remove some of the legal consequences currently defined by statute in this Great State, and leave a legal void to prosecute those who would violate others. Rather than removing laws that protect the overwhelming majority of Texans from lustful persuit and perversion, and define consequences out of the normal, lets reinforce mental health, and make normal, normal again.
James Ransdell, Mr Self, Seguin, TX
I am writing to express my strong opposition to House Bill No. 1738, which proposes to repeal Section 21.06 of the Texas Penal Code and remove related references from health and safety statutes. While I understand that this law is currently unenforceable, I believe it remains an important reflection of the values held by many Texans. Striking this provision from our laws would send a message that undermines the importance of moral standards and traditional family values. Furthermore, altering educational materials to remove clear guidance on this issue risks confusing our youth about behaviors that have long been discouraged in the interest of public health and community well-being. I respectfully urge you to vote against H.B. 1738 and to stand for policies that reflect the values and principles of your constituents.
Patricia Cummings Self, Lorena, TX
I support teaching children under 18 that homosexuality is not an acceptable lifestyle.
Brenda Howard, Self, Belton, TX
I am AGAINST this bill because I believe in the Biblical principle of one man and one woman. Removing the Texas penal code would be an attempt to normalize a behavior that is often a result of sexual abuse. Ideally, we should always strive for a nuclear family of one woman and one man, for the ultimate success of children. This section of the Texas Penal Code serves a valuable purpose and that purpose has not changed. I am against this bill. Belton, TX
Jay Roberson, self, Austin, TX.
Honorable Representatives, I urge you to vote against HB1738 and not pass it out of committee. Even though it apparently is unenforceable, Texas should stand on principle and not delete homosexual content from Texas Penal Code 21.06. While I don't hate anyone, I hate what the Bible clearly calls sin (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Lev.18:22). This truth is timeless. It brings dishonor on those who practice it and the nation who tolerates it. To tell the truth is not hate or hate-crime if you want what's best for all people, families and this state. It only brings heartache, tragedy and ruin to innocent children who are caught up in it. I can't control whether people are offended by the truth, when my intent is their own good. Thank you.
Shann Turner, Self Journalist, Lexington, TX
There are 2 sexes and that is fact. We are made man and woman. It is not the school or state’s job to direct any child in his or her sexuality. Children are easily persuaded and confused. This is unacceptable and the law has no place shaping our children’s sexual preferences. This is a hard NO for me.
Tom Nobis self - retired, Houston, TX
I am against this bill. This bill will no protect families or children in Texas. There is a need to stop sexualizing kids in Texas and this bill would act against that desire.
Deborah Avellano Self, Corinth, TX
I oppose HB 1738, as it does not educate children that this conduct is illegal. I do not feel it should progress any further.
Kenneth Embry Self, Duncanville, TX
The end result of this bill would make homosexuality more acceptable in materials read by children and is an attempt to make homosexual conduct more acceptable in our great state of Texas. What a person chooses to practice with another consenting adult is one thing, but actively + agenda on children and on the wider culture is quite another which will not lead to social flourishing. Please vote AGAINST HB 1738.
Ruth York Self - Cisco, TX
direct sales I oppose HB 1738 and ask you to do the same. Research shows children raised by their natural parents in a loving marriage fare better on social and educational markers throughout life. Children have a right to know and connect with their own two biological parents where possible. Homosexual conduct is antagonistic to this important right of children.
HB 1738 Status.
It is left pending in committee as of 4/16/2025 3:34 CST. I am going to send an email to TX Rep. Venton Jones about the current status. I asked for an update, but it is one of those forms that doesn’t give you a record, so I am going to have to write.
Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence
https://house.texas.gov/committees/committee/220
Chair - John T. Smithee
Vice Chair - Gene Wu
Members - Rhetta Andrews Bowers, David Cook, Jolanda Jones, Mitch Little, Aj Louderback, Brent A. Money, Joe Moody, Ana-Maria Rodriquez Ramos, Wes Virdell.
https://house.texas.gov/members/4530 John T. Smithee No biography on his page.
https://www.votejohnsmithee.com/ Campaign website
John has long served as an adult Sunday School Teacher at First Baptist Church Amarillo.
https://house.texas.gov/members/2865 Gene Wu
https://www.genefortexas.com/ Campaign website
https://house.texas.gov/members/3565 Rhetta Andrews Bowers
https://house.texas.gov/members/3565/biography
https://rhettabowers.com/ Campaign website. She is at St. Paul United Methodist Church.
https://house.texas.gov/members/3960 David Cook
https://house.texas.gov/members/3960/biography David Cook bio
Representative Cook is also a member of the National Association of Christian Lawmakers, and has previously held the role of State Chair of the NACL.
He and his wife Tonya remain active in serving their local community through non-profits such as Mansfield Cares, Mansfield Mission Center,
Representative and Mrs. Cook are members of Creekwood Church in Mansfield. He was also instrumental in establishing Mansfield Churches FOR the City, which is a group of pastors and churches dedicated to the glorification of God through service to the City of Mansfield. They have four adult children, one daughter-in-law, two sons-in-law, and six grandchildren with one more on the way.
https://www.davidcookfortexas.com/ Campaign website
They are members of Creekwood Church in Mansfield.
https://house.texas.gov/members/4105 Jolanda Jones
https://house.texas.gov/members/4105/biography Biography
https://www.jolandajones.com/ Campaign website
https://house.texas.gov/members/4615 Mitch Little No biography
https://mitchlittlefortexas.com/ Campaign website
They are active members of Sojourn Church in Carrollton.
As a Christian, husband, father, business owner and community leader, Mitch is invested in the future and is determined to help shape it.
https://house.texas.gov/members/4620 Aj Louderback. No biography
https://taketexasback.com/candidate/aj-louderback/ Campaign website
They are members and attend Parkway Church in Victoria.
https://house.texas.gov/members/4670 Brent Money. No biography
https://www.brentmoney.com/ Campaign website
https://house.texas.gov/members/3850 Joe Moody.
https://house.texas.gov/members/3850/biography Joe Moody biography
He and his family are members of St. Matthew Catholic Church.
https://www.facebook.com/moodyforelpaso
https://house.texas.gov/members/3735 Ana=Maria Rodriguez Ramos
https://house.texas.gov/members/3735/biography Ana-Maria Rodriquez Ramos biography.
Since assuming office, Representative Ramos has been a fierce advocate for voting, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, and women’s rights.
https://www.ramos4texas.com/ Campaign website
https://house.texas.gov/members/4775 Wes Virdell No biography
https://virdellfortexas.com/ Campaign website.
The hearing on the bill. Video
https://x.com/VentonJonesTX/status/1909740130652606883
Other media coverage.
This didn’t get covered in the Dallas Morning News.
Bigots and their deep hatred keeps them going. So sick of their need to run everyone's lives based on some superstition.