Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is directing his employees to dress in a manner consistent with their biological gender.
Miller issued the requirement as part of a "dress code and grooming policy" that is dated April 13.
The Texas Tribune obtained a copy of the policy, which was first reported Monday by The Texas Observer. The two-page policy applies to all employees of the Texas Department of Agriculture as well as interns and contract employees.
Miller's requirements call for business attire, collared shirts, business suits, dresses and blazers. Women have to wear closed-toed conservative shoes, no strappy sandals and can't wear clothes considered too tight. Western wear is OK, including Cowboy hats.
If anyone violates the policy, they will be asked to leave to change their clothing if they don't meet the requirments, according to reports.
An attorney with the ACLU of Texas, says this dress code provision violates Title VII - which bans employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
The dress code controversy comes as LGBTQ advocates are fighting what they call a wave of hostile legislation against the transgender community coming out of Austin
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