Texas 'bathroom bill' unveiled ahead of 2017 session

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas lawmakers will decide whether to embrace an issue that caused a national uproar in North Carolina — banning transgendered people from using the bathroom of their choice.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a top social conservative voice in the state, unveiled the proposed law Thursday at a news conference.

Patrick says the "Privacy Protection Act" is a top priority for the GOP-controlled Legislature, which convenes next week.

Lawmakers likely will support it, even though Texas' largest business lobbying group says it and other anti-gay rights proposals could cost the state up to $8.5 billion and 100,000-plus jobs.

North Carolina faced boycotts, and potentially billions of dollars in lost state revenue, after passing its own version last year.

A Virginia lawmaker introduced similar legislation this week.

By WILL WEISSERT, Associated Press

Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved.

The Gayly - 1/5/2017 @ 1:14 p.m. CST.