JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A measure to restrict transgender people’s use of bathrooms and locker rooms in public buildings, including university dormitories, earned approval in the Republican-dominated Mississippi House on Wednesday.
The bill, which now goes back to the Republican-led Senate, says people are either male or female “as observed or clinically verified at birth” and must use the corresponding facilities. It also requires that public buildings have restrooms or changing areas designated for men only or women only, or single-person spaces that may be used by anyone.
Democrats who opposed the measure accused conservatives of marginalizing transgender people to try to score points with voters.
“They used to run on race, colors, and all of that,” said Rep. Willie Bailey, a Democrat from Greenville. “Then they started running against people on abortion. Now they’ve got to have an issue on transgender—it’s just silly.”
The bill is one of several being considered in state legislatures across the U.S. as Republicans try to restrict which bathrooms transgender people can use and which sports they can play.
Republican Rep. Joey Hood of Ackerman, chairman of the Mississippi House Judiciary A Committee and a prominent backer of the bill, said it aims to ensure people are using facilities that align with their sex at birth.
“We’re going to make sure boys go to boys’ bathrooms, girls go to girls’ bathrooms,” Hood said, an argument he made several times during the debate.
“We’re going to make sure boys go to boys’ bathrooms, girls go to girls’ bathrooms,” Rep. Joey Hood, R-Ackman, said on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as he argued for an anti-trans bathroom bill. AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis, File
The bill would allow a person to sue another who uses a restroom or changing area that does not match their sex at birth.
It also establishes exceptions for emergency medical and cleaning workers and people who need assistance, including children younger than 12. They would be allowed to enter any public restroom or locker room regardless of gender.
Democratic Rep. Zakiya Summers of Jackson, who is Black, compared efforts to limit transgender people’s
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