146 Texas women are killed by their male partner in 2016.
Women across America are pushing forward and demanding change – in the workplace and at the ballot box. But whether it’s in Washington D.C. or Austin, politicians continue to look backwards when passing legislation.
As Reform Austin previously reported, State Representative Tony Tinderholt (R – Tarrant County) has a disturbing record of voting against bills for women’s health and failing to protect children. Tinderholt’s votes regarding domestic violence only causes further concern. His record includes:
- HB 77 – Tinderholt opposed a study of the Dallas Men Against Abuse programs and other activities in the Dallas community addressing family violence.
- HB 2455 – Tinderholt voted against the establishment of a task force to promote uniformity in the collection and reporting of information relating to family violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking.
- HB 3327 – Tinderholt voted against a grant program to fund domestic violence high risk teams.
- HB 3655 – Tinderholt opposed providing grants to encourage counties to utilize GPS monitoring in cases involving family violence as a tool to deter future violence.
- HB 525 – Tinderholt opposed requiring domestic violence offenders to register on a public database after three convictions.
Tinderholt’s numerous votes against domestic violence prevention come as no surprise, since he had a restraining order filed against him after his first divorce in 1994. The restrictions listed in the restraining order included prohibition against:
- “Threatening Petitioner in person, by telephone, or in writing to take unlawful action against any person.”
- “Causing bodily injury to Petitioner or to a child of either party.”
- “Destroying, removing, concealing, encumbering, transferring, or otherwise harming or reducing the value of the property of one or both of the parties.”
At a time when the health and safety of Texas women are at risk, we need policymakers to stand up for women, not vote against them. Tony Tinderholt has repeatedly voted to endanger women. His votes reveal and reflect his values.
We need public officials to see, hear and serve everyone in our state. We need to Reform Austin.
