Montana's Republican-controlled House passed a bill that prohibits transgender individuals from using bathrooms in public buildings that align with their gender identity. The bill, which faces a final House vote before moving to the state Senate, sparked strong opposition from Democrats and transgender lawmakers.
Montana's Republican-controlled House endorsed a ban on transgender people using bathrooms in public buildings that don't align with their sex assigned at birth on Wednesday. The legislation, which would complicate daily life for two fellow lawmakers, was passed in a 58-42 party-line vote over strong Democratic opposition.
Representatives Zooey Zephyr and SJ Howell, both transgender, pleaded with their GOP colleagues to reject the proposal and to stop labeling trans people as a threat to women without evidence. The bill would make it illegal for transgender individuals to use restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping areas that align with their gender identity in public buildings, schools, prisons, jails, and programs for domestic violence victims. Existing variations of bathroom bans are already on the books in many states, often targeting school facilities. Even more states, including Montana, have passed laws aimed at restricting transgender people's access to public spaces.Republican sponsor of the bill, Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe, maintained that it's not intended to be exclusionary but rather to preserve safe spaces for women. However, Zephyr argued that the legislation would create a hostile environment for transgender people, stating: 'Trans people walk through the state of Montana afraid enough already. Leave trans people alone. Let me be the woman I'm happy to be. Let me live my life.' The measure faces a final House vote before moving to the GOP-controlled state Senate. While individuals could sue a facility for not preventing transgender people from using a restroom or changing room that aligns with their gender identity, they could only recover nominal damages, typically $1. The entity could be required to pay the plaintiff's legal fees, however.
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