#news Democrat James Talarico opposing a bill to ban litter boxes in classrooms – for students identifying as animals – is back in the spotlight after his Senate primary victory
The comments are from a 2025 Texas legislative hearing, where Talarico – a self described Christian – grilled the author of the FURRIES Act.
The FURRIES Act was introduced in March of last year to prohibit “non-human behaviors” in schools, like students using litter boxes, wearing animal tails or collars, or making animal noises like barking or meowing.
Talarico focused on litter boxes and repeatedly pressed Republican Rep. Stan Gerdes on whether he could name a school that provided litter boxes.
Talarico then dismissed the bill as a “manufactured, debunked smear campaign” against public schools. **
However, critics say this moment is an example of Talarico’s habit of opposing GOP measures protecting children from what they call “radical gender and identity ideologies infiltrating education.”
The Furries Act was supported by Gov. Greg Abbott, who cited reports of “kids in two rural school districts going to school dressed up as cats with litter boxes in their classrooms”
Talarico struck down the bill by saying it was a conspiracy theory, claiming no evidence supported the litter box rumors and accused Republicans of using it to “defund neighborhood schools” by turning Texans against them.
He said the hearing was a waste of time calling it “weird and a little creepy.”
Talarico is a staunch advocate for gender fluidity and tr*nsgender rights, saying concerns against those rights are baseless attacks.
He also supports sex-surgeries for minors, and opposed multiple Texas bills banning the procedures.
He argued that tr*nsgenders should participate in sports that correlate with their gender identity saying
“Trans children are God’s children, made in God’s own image”
“God is non-binary.”
Fast Fact: Some schools that were accused of having litter boxes
Midland Public Schools (Michigan) — A parent’s report at a 2021 board meeting exposed it, but the superintendent denied there were litter boxes on school grounds
Pinkerton Academy (Derry, New Hampshire) — A report was made in 2022, the school denied it.
Durango School District (Colorado) — Rep. Lauren Boebert revealed litter boxes, the district denied it.
Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (Indiana) — Reports poured in locally in 2022, officials called them ridiculous and false.
Jefferson County School District (Colorado, includes Columbine High School) — Reports were made, and officials clarified that they keep cat litter in emergency “go buckets” for lockdowns
Reports also came in for districts in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Montana, Prince Edward Island (Canada), and others — All publicly denied
