Some Texans want to ‘Texit” from the Union, and a bill filed in the Texas House of Representatives would hold a statewide referendum.
By Eileen Griffin
The Texas Independent Referendum Act, if passed, would allow Texans to vote to leave the United States.
Texas state Rep. Bryan Slayton (R-Royse City) introduced House Bill 3596, known as “Texit,” which would allow a vote on whether or not to secede, The Hill reports.
If the measure passes, the referendum will be placed in front of the voters during the general election on November 7, 2023.
“The Texas Constitution is clear that all political power resides in the people,” Slaton said in a statement posted on Twitter. “After decades of continuous abuse of our rights and liberties by the federal government, it is time to let the people of Texas make their voices heard.”
If the majority of Texans vote to become independent, a legislative committee comprised of members of both houses would be formed to plan and implement the secession.
Texas Nationalism
The Texas Nationalist Movement, an organization in support of Texas independence, states on their website that “Texit” is necessary due to government overreach.
“The people of Texas have been very clear in increasing numbers over the past two decades that they are tired of federal overreach and believe the relationship between the states in the federal system is broken and unfixable,” states the group’s website. “The response from Texas and the rest of the states has been relegated to tersely-worded resolutions and lawsuits that the federal government ignores. Whether it’s the border, debt, defense policy, economic imbalance, or the erosion of our liberties, the federal system is out of control.”
While the bill is supported by the Texas Nationalist Movement, it is opposed by many lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, New York Post reports.
‘Hypocritical and Seditious Treason’
Some legislators, like state Rep. Jeff Leach (R-Plano), say secession is an impossibility.
“This ridiculous bill is the very definition of hypocritical and seditious treason and it is already dead,” Leach said in a tweet.
“Any legislator who signs on to support this reckless, seditious and treasonous bill will not pass a single bill this session,” Leach further tweeted. “This isn’t a threat. It’s a promise.”
The Texit referendum is both legal and constitutional, the Texas Nationalist Movement claims on its website.
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