Latest news with #ForbiddingUnlawfulRepresentationofRoleplaying
Express Tribune
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Texas bill proposes ban on ‘Furry' behavior in public schools
A new bill introduced in the Texas House seeks to prohibit students from engaging in 'non-human behavior' in public schools, referring to actions like barking, meowing, or pretending to be animals—practices sometimes linked to the furry subculture, a community of people interested in anthropomorphic animal characters. The legislation, known as the FURRIES Act (Forbidding Unlawful Representation of Roleplaying in Educational Spaces), was introduced on March 13 by Texas State Representative Stan Gerdes. If passed, the bill would ban students from using litter boxes, licking themselves, making animal noises, or otherwise pretending to be animals while in school settings. Gerdes defended the proposal in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, 'No distractions. No theatrics. Just education. Texas schools are for educating kids, not indulging in radical trends.' He emphasized that the bill aims to keep classrooms focused on academic success rather than what he views as disruptive behavior. The bill has sparked divided reactions, with some arguing it is necessary for maintaining discipline, while others claim it unfairly targets a niche group. Although the bill has yet to be voted on in the House, it has already generated significant online debate. The FURRIES Act is the latest in a series of bills addressing cultural and behavioral concerns in Texas schools. Earlier in March, state senators passed Senate Bill 20, a separate piece of legislation that aims to ban material featuring minors in 'obscene' ways, including anime, video games, and AI-generated content. As lawmakers debate these proposals, their potential impact on free expression, school policies, and digital media regulation remains a growing concern in Texas and beyond.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas bill targets 'furries,' banning non-human behavior in schools
The Brief A new Texas bill, known as the FURRIES Act, would ban non-human behaviors in public schools, including the use of litter boxes and wearing animal accessories. The bill prohibits students from presenting themselves as anything other than human, with exemptions for events like Halloween. Students who violate the law could face suspension, expulsion, or placement in a juvenile justice education program. Educators who fail to enforce the law could face fines, with penalties starting at $10,000. TEXAS - A new Texas bill aims to ban non-human behaviors in public schools, commonly associated with "furries." The proposed legislation outlines a wide range of prohibited behaviors, from using a litter box to wearing animal ears and leashes. What we know The Forbidding Unlawful Representation of Roleplaying in Education, or FURRIES Act, prohibits students from engaging in "any non-human behavior," including presenting themselves as anything other than a human. Dig deeper According to the bill, examples of prohibited behaviors include: Using a litter box to relieve oneself Wearing non-human accessories, such as:TailsLeashesCollarsAccessories designed for petsFur (other than natural human hair or wigs)Animal-like earsItems not historically designed for humans Tails Leashes Collars Accessories designed for pets Fur (other than natural human hair or wigs) Animal-like ears Items not historically designed for humans Making animal noises such as barking, meowing, or hissing Licking oneself for grooming The bill states that students must present themselves as human and are also prohibited from: Creating organizations or clubs related to non-human behavior Promoting the belief that non-human behaviors are socially acceptable The bill allows certain exemptions, including: Halloween or school dress-up events related to human history (limited to five days per school year) Theater performances Dressing as a school mascot Students who do not comply with the proposed law could face removal from class, suspension, or expulsion. The bill also allows for placement in a juvenile justice alternative education program. Educators are required to report violations to the Texas attorney general. School districts that fail to enforce the law could face fines—starting at $10,000 for the first offense and increasing to $25,000 for further violations. The act would take effect immediately if approved by two-thirds of House members. If it does not receive enough votes for immediate implementation, it would go into effect on Sept. 1, 2025. A hearing has not yet been scheduled. Click to open this PDF in a new window. The backstory According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a furry is someone who identifies with or enjoys dressing as an animal or creature. Many furries wear costumes or accessories such as animal ears and tails. A 2020 survey found that most furries are in their late teens or early 20s. The Source Information in this article comes from public court documents from Texas Legislature and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
