Texas Lawmaker Admits No Evidence for Furries Bill Claims

Texas State Rep. Stan Gerdes introduced a bill aimed at banning so-called 'furry' behavior and related distractions, such as students using litter boxes or wearing animal accessories, in public schools. However, when pressed during legislative hearings and by the media, Gerdes admitted he had no evidence of such incidents occurring in Texas schools, and the Smithville school district specifically debunked claims of students behaving as animals or using litter boxes. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, argued that the bill is based on debunked conspiracy theories and is part of a broader effort to discredit and potentially defund public schools. Despite these admissions and lack of evidence, the proposed legislation would allow significant fines against schools found to be tolerating non-human behavior, and would empower complaints to be filed with the state attorney general. This controversy reflects ongoing political and cultural battles over public education in Texas.