Montana's Republican-controlled House recently approved a ban on transgender individuals using bathrooms in public buildings that do not correspond with their sex assigned at birth. This decision could potentially complicate the daily lives of two state lawmakers who identify as transgender.
The endorsement of this ban follows the rejection of a narrower rule aimed at preventing a transgender representative from using women's restrooms in the state Capitol. The lawmakers, including a nonbinary representative, urged their Republican colleagues to reconsider the proposal, arguing against labeling transgender individuals as threats to women without substantial evidence.
Currently, a dozen states have implemented various bathroom bans, primarily targeting school facilities. Additionally, several states, including Montana, have passed laws prohibiting gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth and excluding transgender girls from participating in girls' sports.
Transgender Representative Zooey Zephyr expressed concerns about the fear and discrimination faced by trans individuals in Montana, emphasizing the importance of allowing them to live authentically. On the other hand, Republican Representative Kerri Seekins-Crowe, the bill's sponsor, defended the measure as a means to safeguard women's privacy and safety.
The bill, which passed with a 58-42 vote along party lines, prohibits transgender individuals from using restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping areas that align with their gender identity in public buildings, schools, prisons, jails, and programs for domestic violence victims. It also allows individuals to sue facilities for failing to prevent transgender individuals from using facilities that align with their gender identity, with potential nominal damages of $1 and the requirement to cover the plaintiff's legal fees.
