In a move aimed at uncovering the source of anonymous outreach to Texas youth, Travis County District Judge Jan Soifer ordered a deposition of a representative from the Texas Transgender Student Union (TTSU). The group, which was registered in Wyoming last month and lists a Houston post office box as its mailing address, is accused of distributing pamphlets that appear to come from the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT).
Judge orders testimony and subpoenas messaging firm
Judge Soifer scheduled a Zoom deposition for Friday, requiring the Wyoming‑registered group to answer written questions under oath. He also denied the group’s motion to dismiss the case. In addition, the judge ordered Infobip, the messaging company that delivered the text messages, to respond to a written set of deposition questions.
TENT, which requested the deposition, says the pamphlets were crafted to look as if they originated from its organization, prompting a backlash that included threats of violence. The texts, first received on October 12, linked to TENT’s website but did not identify the sender. They advertised guides on “bathrooms and beyond for trans kids at school” and offered answers to questions about pediatric gender treatments in Texas.
Content of the mailers and legal response
The mailed pamphlets, addressed to “students” at homes across the state, began distribution on October 17. They were marketed as resources for LGBTQ+ youth by the Texas Transgender Student Union. Each packet encourages young people to speak with a “safe adult” or one of several advocacy groups, including TENT, if their parents do not support their identity. One section also explains emancipation, the legal process by which a minor becomes recognized as an adult.
Following the distribution, TENT sent a cease‑and‑desist letter to Infobip demanding that the texts stop and that the company reveal its client. The organization also filed a lawsuit seeking to identify the sender of the messages.
Legal representation and First Amendment arguments
Chris Hilton, a former attorney for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office, is representing the Wyoming‑registered group. Hilton was part of Paxton’s defense team during the 2023 impeachment trial before moving to private practice. In a written response to the court, the group argued that a forced deposition would violate its First Amendment right to anonymous speech. The filing also stated that the group has no plans to send further communications like those at issue.
Political context and investigation
While the mailers do not mention any specific candidates, their arrival coincided with the start of early voting, raising questions about possible motives to influence voters. Republican District Attorney Sarah Stogner in West Texas opened a criminal investigation, describing the mailers as apparent forgeries intended to sway the electorate.
The Wyoming group plans to appeal Judge Soifer’s ruling to the Austin‑based 3rd Court of Appeals.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
