Texas Supreme Court blocks deposition regarding transgender mailer investigation

The Texas Supreme Court has blocked a deposition intended to identify the group behind a controversial mailer campaign sent to over one million households in Texas. The pamphlets, sent under the name of the Texas Transgender Student Union, purported to offer guidance to transgender and LGBTQ+ students.

Investigations revealed that the Texas Transgender Student Union was formed as a Wyoming-based LLC shortly before the mailing. While the materials used the branding of the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT) and OutYouth, both organizations have stated they had no involvement in the campaign. TENT reported that the resulting backlash led to security concerns and the cancellation of planned events.

A paper trail linked the bulk-mail permit used for the distribution to Three Z Printing, an Illinois-based company whose owners have donated significantly to Republican committees. However, there is currently no public evidence that the company or its owners authorized or funded the flyers.

A West Texas District Attorney has opened an investigation into the matter, suggesting the pamphlets may have been designed to influence conservative voters. The Texas Supreme Court's decision to block the deposition came via an emergency motion, halting the questioning of the student union's representatives.