On March 7, 2017, I testified before the Senate Committee on State Affairs regarding my professional and academic perspectives on Senate Bill No. 6 introduced by Senator Lois Kolkhorst, a bill that has become commonly referred to as the Texas “bathroom bill”.
My name is Jeremy Liebbe and I hail from Texas Senate District 2. I hold a bachelor’s degree in police science, hold a master’s degree in forensic psychology, and am a doctoral candidate in forensic psychology. I am an honorably retired detective sergeant of police, having served nearly a decade hunting child predators in and around public schools before being permanently injured in the line of duty. I have investigated and arrested public school teachers who are now convicted sex offenders. I have given expert testimony in over a dozen felony trials.
I recently joined nearly 100 other law enforcement leaders from around this great nation in signing an amici curiae brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in the professional opinion that laws prohibiting transgender people from using public facilities matching their gender identity have no legitimate public-safety concern.
I believe I understand Senator Kolkhorst’s intentions behind SB6. I also understand the catch 22 created for the over 100,000 transgender Texans who are not predators and who are good, decent people.
Senator Kolkhorst, I see a path forward that can protect all good and decent Texans, including transgender Texans. I believe that your removal of Section 5 was a great step in the right direction. Earlier I met with your general counsel, and I now offer you my knowledge and expertise to help you finish what you have started and support safe spaces, dignity, and privacy for ALL Texans.
My written testimony was submitted to the committee’s clerk and was emailed to your offices yesterday. You can find another copy at https://www.scribd.com/document/341126447.
UPDATE: SB6 passed in the Texas Senate only to die in the Texas House.
© 2017, Jeremy Liebbe. All rights reserved.
