Texas is not among the most LGBTI-friendly states in the US. Following a wave of proposed bills during the 2015 legislative session, the 2017 session is likely to again include proposals for anti-LGBT laws.
Chief among these is the announcement from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to introduce a bill similar to North Carolina’s controversial HB 2. This legislation prohibits transgender people from using public bathrooms in fitting with their gender identity.
North Carolina’s HB 2 has faced widespread condemnation when introduced earlier this year, not least from the business community.
Companies have abandoned expansion plans in the state, pulled conferences and trade shows, or cancelled business deals. Performers such as Bruce Springsteen have cancelled concerts.
Last week, LGBTI advocacy group Equality Texas published an open letter signed by 200 small business owners. They are fearful that a bill similar to HB 2 could have a similar detrimental impact on business in the state.
‘We, the undersigned, are Texas small business owners,’ says the letter.
‘We come from industries and communities all over the state. We employ local people, we pay taxes, and we work hard to make a living and make a difference in the lives of our employees and customers.
‘That’s why we’re watching what’s unfolding in North Carolina with a growing sense of dread. Experts put economic damage from the discriminatory HB2 law at $395 million and rising. That damage is coming from the loss of corporate investments, talent, performances, sporting events, and conventions.
‘What’s not often talked about is that every single one of these losses impacts countless small businesses. Many of us rely on a thriving tourism economy. Many of us are the vendors that benefit when a bigger company creates jobs in our communities.
‘These economic impact figures aren’t just numbers to us. They represent a direct threat to our ability to do business.’
The letter is singed by a diverse range of businesses: from attorneys to hair salons, photographers to realtors.
‘There will be a significant economic impact in Texas if we continue down this path’
In a separate development, an economic analysis has concluded that the introduction of anti-LGBTI legislation in Texas could cost the state $8.5billion (€7.7billion).
Local chamber of commerce, the Texas Association of Business, has carried out the analysis. It is based on actual or projected losses in four states that have passed or proposed similar legislation.
Besides HB 2 in North Carolina, this includes SB 101 in Indiana, SB 1062 in Arizona and HB 707 in Louisiana.
It notes that Arizona lost the $500million contract for the Super Bowl due to its controversial SB 1062 (later vetoed by its Governor). Indiana lost an estimated $1.58billlion (0.5% of its GDP) due to SB 101.
Texas, with a population of 26.5 million, is the second most populous state in the US, so the economic ramifications would be greater.
‘We’ve done our homework, and we feel very confident in the numbers,’ Texas Association of Business President Chris Wallace told the Lone Star Observer.
‘There will be a significant economic impact in Texas if we continue down this path of legislation that is very much discriminatory. Why go there when we’re one of the top states in which to do business?’
Main image: The Texas Senate in Austin by TexasExplorer98 licensed via CreativeCommons2.0