"Texas Values" President Jonathan Saenz Lacks the Facts on HB 201

“Texas Values” President Jonathan Saenz appeared on MyFoxAustin last night to speak in opposition to HB 201 filed by Rep. Rafael Anchia relating to the Supplementary Birth Certificate of an Adopted Child.

Mr. Saenz apparently had not actually read HB 201 because his on-air statements were factually incorrect.

Saenz: “This change in the law would affect everyone’s birth certificate.”  He even alludes that HB201 would affect the birth certificates of his 3 biological children.

Facts:

• HB 201 only applies to the Supplementary Birth Certificate of an adopted child. Such a certificate is only issued upon the finalization of a court-ordered adoption ruling. The Supplementary Birth Certificate replaces the original certificate issued at birth. It removes the names of parents who have relinquished their parental rights and replaces them with the child’s legally adoptive parents. It has absolutely no effect on the birth certificates of non-adopted children.
• HB 201 merely allows the Supplementary Birth Certificate to reflect the court-ordered legal adoptive parents, regardless of gender. That would also include a child adopted by a grandparent and relative of the same gender (This occurs in situations where biological parents may relinquish parental rights due to issues like substance abuse or incarceration.)
• HB 201 only applies to a Supplementary Birth Certificate issued on or after the effective date of the bill. It is not retroactive.

I don't know about you, but as a fifth generation Texan, my "Texas Values" include telling the truth and working to support the health and well being of all Texas families. And yes, that literally means ALL TEXAS FAMILIES!  Please support HB 201.

Posted by Chuck Smith
Executive Director Equality Texas

Comments

[Jason Graham]

Thanks Mr. Saenz for giving us facts on HB 201. I'll share this information to my colleagues.

[San Antonio Water Softener]

Knowing these facts from the President Jonathan Saenz are good information to know. They must read this information and research to see these facts on HB 201.