SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah bill addressing transgender students’ use of school restrooms is drawing criticism from advocates for the youth.
The measure introduced this week would require students to use restrooms assigned to the gender they’re born with as documented on a birth certificate or by a doctor after a physical exam.
Rep. Mike Kennedy says he’s pushing the legislation because of a new California law that lets transgender students choose which restroom to use and whether to play on boys’ or girls’ sports teams.
The Alpine Republican told The Salt Lake Tribune he’s unaware of any problems with the issue so far in Utah schools, and his bill would allow transgender students to seek special accommodation such as use of a private restroom.
Brandie Balken of Equality Utah says the legislation is “at least misguided and at worst cruel,” and it’s inappropriate to isolate children over gender-identity issues.
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