In a move to curb the growing influence of the furry subculture in Texas public schools, State Representative Stan Gerdes, a Republican from Smithville, has introduced a bill known as the Forbidden Unlawful Representation of Roleplaying in Education (FURRIES) Act.
The furry subculture, characterized by individuals assuming anthropomorphic animal identities, often involves dressing in costumes and mimicking animal behavior.
Gerdes expressed his disbelief at the necessity of such legislation, stating, I cant believe we have to do this, but we cannot allow these types of role-playing distractions to affect our students who are trying to learn or our teachers and administrators who are trying to teach. He emphasized the need to keep such "nonsense" out of educational institutions.
According to The Daily Signal, Gerdes further clarified his stance, saying, No distractions. No theatrics. Just education. He argued that while school mascots, theater performances, and dress-up days are integral to school spirit, the bill aims to ensure that the focus remains on academics and not on "bizarre and unhealthy disruptions." He added, "Texas schools are for educating kids, not indulging in radical trends.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott voiced his support for the bill at a Texas Pastor Council event in Austin. He highlighted the issue of furries in public schools, particularly in rural areas, stating, Kids go to school dressed up as cats with litter boxes. The situation has escalated to such an extent that Gerdes felt compelled to introduce a bill to prohibit furries in Texas public schools.
Abbott underscored the importance of a distraction-free learning environment, saying, You have one expectation your childs going to be learning the fundamentals of education: reading and writing and math and science. He also used the opportunity to advocate for school choice, a concept already embraced by the Texas Senate. The House is expected to follow suit, marking a historic moment for Texas education.
The governor argued that if children are distracted by furries, parents should have the right to choose a different school for their child. He said, Im not telling you anything other than what is just common sense, but common sense is very hard to deal with in this setting.
The bill has faced criticism from LGBTQ Nation, which claimed that anti-transgender Republicans are seeking to penalize students who behave like non-human animals in schools. The Houston Chronicle accused Abbott of reviving debunked rumors about public schools accommodating students dressed as cats with litter boxes. However, these claims have been contradicted by several news reports.
Gerdes defended his decision to introduce the bill, stating it was in response to concerns raised by his constituents. He confirmed that a furry-related incident had occurred at Smithville ISD, as verified by the superintendent.
The representative anticipates backlash from the furry subculture at the committee hearing, but remains firm in his stance. He said, they wont be getting any litter boxes in the Texas capitol. They will have to use the regular restrooms like the humans they are.
The FURRIES Act proposes amendments to the Texas education code to prohibit non-human behavior by students, except on exempt days such as Halloween. The bill defines non-human behavior as actions or accessories typically associated with non-human species, including using a litter box, wearing tails or leashes, making animal noises, and grooming oneself or others by licking.
The bill also calls for school boards to adopt student codes of conduct and penalties for violations, which could range from removal and suspension to expulsion. It further proposes amendments to the Texas Family Code to include the encouragement of non-human behaviors in an educational setting as a form of mental or emotional injury to a child.
The legislation would empower citizens to file complaints with the Attorney Generals Office, which could then enforce compliance with the law. This provision was included in response to furry-related crimes reported in other states.
The U.K.-based Safer Schools Ecosystem has warned of the potential for child sexual exploitation on online furry platforms. As Texas grapples with the influence of the furry subculture in its schools, the FURRIES Act represents a significant step towards preserving the sanctity of education and protecting the welfare of students.
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