Watch as Texas lawmaker gets trolled into saying fake names at committee hearing
It was another long committee meeting of the Texas Legislature on Tuesday. House members were discussing one of the many proposals against gender-affirming care for transgender people that state representatives are considering — a critically important topic with wide-ranging implications for families across the state.
As one person finished their public testimony against House Bill 888 during the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee meeting, Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, and the committee's chair, called out for the next three people to speak.
"Is there a Connie Lingus here?" Leach said during Tuesday's meeting. "What about Anita D**kenme?" There's a hoot of laughter that can be heard by someone in the meeting after this name is called.
Then, it ends with: "Or Holden Mad**k?" (which gets another chuckle).
Appearing to realize the situation, Leach asked if "any of those three people are here," as someone can be heard still laughing in the room and Julie Johnson, D-Farmers Branch, who serves as the committee's vice chair, is holding her hand over her mouth and spins around in what appears to be her trying to hold back laughter.
Leach stumbles a bit, then goes on to say: "You got your moment. I hope you enjoy it." The room burst out in a bit of laughter and the meeting continues.
It is unclear who added the fake names to the House witness list.
Leach responded to the incident Friday morning, tweeting: "In the rough & tumble of politics & policy making, it's good to know we can still laugh & smile together.
"And I look forward to meeting Connie, Anita and Holden very soon."
In the rough & tumble of politics & policy making, it’s good to know we can still laugh & smile together. If me being the brunt of a joke is what it takes to remind people of that – then I’m okay with it. #txlege
And I look forward to meeting Connie, Anita and Holden very soon. https://t.co/1bSWQXVajU— Jeff Leach (@leachfortexas) March 31, 2023
Representatives were hearing testimony for HB 888, one of 140 anti-LGBTQ+ bills up for consideration this session. The bill would give a separate statute of limitations for medical malpractice charges for claims related to gender-affirming care made by anyone before they turn 25.
The video was first posted on Twitter by independent journalist Erin Reed.
A similar incident occurred earlier this month when a Florida lawmaker read a list of opponents and supporters of a bill.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Watch: Texas rep trolled into saying fake names during hearing
