Post by Logan on Feb 11, 2016 3:37:42 GMT -6
OLYMPIA – Transgender people can continue to use restrooms and other public facilities based on the gender with which they identify.
The Senate narrowly rejected an effort to repeal a rule approved late last year by the Human Rights Commission which allows people to use public restrooms, bathrooms and locker rooms based on their gender identity, not their biology. On a 24-25 vote, senators sided with those who said transgender people pose no risk to others and the rule merely codifies a practice in place for nearly 10 years.
“Not one person has been harmed because a transgender person has used the bathroom of their gender identity,” Sen. Marko Liias, D-Lynnwood, said. Instead, they are the people who are most likely to be harassed and assaulted, he said.
Supporters of the bill said they weren’t suggesting transgender people were dangerous, but argued sexual predators could use the law to find victims.
Read more: www.spokesman.com/blogs/spincontrol/2016/feb/10/transgender-bathroom-bill-fails-senate/
The Senate narrowly rejected an effort to repeal a rule approved late last year by the Human Rights Commission which allows people to use public restrooms, bathrooms and locker rooms based on their gender identity, not their biology. On a 24-25 vote, senators sided with those who said transgender people pose no risk to others and the rule merely codifies a practice in place for nearly 10 years.
“Not one person has been harmed because a transgender person has used the bathroom of their gender identity,” Sen. Marko Liias, D-Lynnwood, said. Instead, they are the people who are most likely to be harassed and assaulted, he said.
Supporters of the bill said they weren’t suggesting transgender people were dangerous, but argued sexual predators could use the law to find victims.
Read more: www.spokesman.com/blogs/spincontrol/2016/feb/10/transgender-bathroom-bill-fails-senate/