Free Republic

A top Texas official said the state will not yield to "blackmail" from President Barack Obama, after the administration on Friday released a directive notifying public school officials that transgender students must be allowed to use the restroom and locker room facilities corresponding with their gender identity. "I believe it is the biggest issue facing families and schools in America since prayer was taken out of public schools," Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick told reporters. Obama's policy "will divide the country not along political lines but along family values and school districts," Patrick said.