【Epoch Times, 5th December 2025】The Texas Women’s Privacy Act, passed in the state of Texas, officially took effect on Thursday, December 4th. This law requires individuals to use designated facilities in government-owned restrooms, changing rooms, and shower rooms in accordance with their “biological sex.” The legislation is also dubbed as the new “bathroom bill” by observers.
Drafted and promoted by State Senator Mayes Middleton, the aim of the law is to ensure that Texas women have access to dedicated restroom facilities. Middleton stated during a press conference on August 4th, “It is common sense to ensure that males do not enter female’s private spaces.”
He emphasized that the symbols used to identify gender in restrooms have now been given renewed significance after decades. “This law restores these boundaries and makes them enforceable,” Middleton stated.
In addition to defining regulations for public facilities, the new law mandates that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice must place inmates based on their biological sex. It also specifies that domestic violence shelters established for women can only serve females and their children.
Middleton underscored, “These boundaries have existed for generations. They are based on biological facts and biblical truths.”
Under the new regulations, first-time offenders will face a civil penalty of $5,000, with repeat offenders subject to a $25,000 fine. Citizens can file complaints with the State Attorney General’s office, with the State Attorney General responsible for enforcing the fines.
Furthermore, the new law includes exceptions, allowing personnel involved in cleaning, maintenance, medical, or childcare to access women’s restrooms and changing rooms when necessary.
Women’s groups across the country have been advocating for laws similar to the one in Texas. Just last month, Californian Tish Hyman sparked online debates after encountering a male in the women’s changing room at a gym. She called on local legislators to intervene and ensure women’s personal safety.
Another notable incident is the story of Payton McNabb from North Carolina, who, during a high school girls’ volleyball game, was knocked unconscious by a transgender female player with a powerful hit. McNabb expressed support for the legislation in Texas, describing it as a “significant victory for basic privacy and common sense.”
She said, “As the Texas Women’s Privacy Act officially takes effect today, I think of the girls who will never have to experience what I went through. Seeing these protective measures earnestly implemented reminds me of what true leadership looks like.”
Texas has been consistently proposing such “bathroom bills” over the past decade, aiming to impose civil or criminal penalties on transgender individuals entering restrooms. The enactment of the Texas Women’s Privacy Act marks a significant milestone since the Texas legislature first introduced related bills in 2017.
According to Texas Scorecard, Texas is the 20th state in the U.S. to enact protective legislation for women’s restrooms, changing rooms, and bathrooms.
This legislation makes Texas the seventh state to mandate gender-specific spaces within government buildings. Previously, Arkansas, Florida, Montana, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming have also enacted similar laws.
Laws applicable to K-12 schools and certain public buildings have taken effect in eight states: Alabama, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Wyoming, while specific laws concerning schools have been implemented in five states: Iowa, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
(*This article referenced a report by Daily Wire)