The Texas House of Representatives on
Friday approved a measure to promote heterosexuality at its colleges
and universities.
Republican Representative Wayne
Christian's budget amendment was approved with a lopsided 110 to 24
vote, The Dallas Morning News reported.
The amendment would force state
colleges and universities using state funds to promote diversity
programs based on sexuality or gender to spend an equal amount of
money to promote “family and traditional values.”
The amendment targets centers “for
students focused on gay, lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, transsexual,
transgender, gender questioning or other gender identity issues.”
The 150-member House is composed of 101
Republicans and 49 Democrats, which means at least 9 Democrats
crossed the aisle to join Republicans in approving the amendment.
Lawmakers also decided against
additional funds for the Texas HIV Medical Program, which provides
antiretroviral drugs to 14,000 low-income people living with
HIV/AIDS, leaving the program severely underfunded.
The two-year $164.5 billion budget also
slashes funding for public schools, nursing homes and college
financial aid.
On Sunday, the House approved its
budget with a 98 to 49 vote. The Senate has yet to vote on its
proposed budget.