Texas would take same-sex sexual conduct out of its criminal code
What it does
HB 653 would repeal Section 21.06 of the Texas Penal Code, which defines the offense of homosexual conduct. It would keep the school health education materials for people younger than 18 that say homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle, but remove the words that call it a crime. It would make the same change to course materials on sexual education and sexually transmitted diseases, which would still say homosexuality is not a lifestyle acceptable to the general public. The bill would take effect right away if it gets a two-thirds vote in each house, and otherwise on September 1, 2027.
What it means for your community
Same-sex sexual conduct would no longer be listed as an offense in the Texas penal code, so prosecutors could not charge it under that section. Parents and students reading school health materials would still see the statement that homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle, but it would no longer be labeled a crime. No other part of the penal code would change under this bill.
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