Transgender anti-discrimination law came under the spotlight Thursday as legislators shared their views and heard from members of the public over a housing regulation bill. Conversation in the packed committee meeting focused on revisions to a state law passed in prohibiting discrimination against transgender individuals concerning housing, as the Deseret News previously reported.
A Facebook post about a transgender resident assistant assigned to an all-girls dorm suite at Utah State University reignited interest in the law, as the Deseret News previously reported. The new bill, HB , tries to balance anti-discrimination protections with privacy concerns over restrooms, locker rooms and housing β like the incident at USU. Specifically, the bill mandates that individuals stay in rooms that correspond with their sex designation, regardless of their gender identity or even the sex their birth certificate indicates in the case of birth certificate changes.
On Thursday, several members of the public advocated for and against the bill in front of a committee of House members. Emotions ran high, with speakers on both sides shedding tears and raising voices.
I am in shock at the treatment my daughter has received by grown adults who have put her safety at significant risk. I am appalled by the writers of this bill for holding the safety of other girls over the safety of mine. It needs other points of view, and it needs to use actual facts. Trans people always existed and they always will. Multiple advocates in favor of the bill cited the executive order in their comments to the committee. But the intent of that bill is never to allow biological males into female dorms.
And actually in the school where my daughter goes, that is not a problem. They have mixed dorms and everything. Utah Politics Utah. Published: Jan 24, , a. Kristin Murphy, Deseret News. By Sydney Jezik. Controversy over revision of the bill A Facebook post about a transgender resident assistant assigned to an all-girls dorm suite at Utah State University reignited interest in the law, as the Deseret News previously reported. Individuals may still opt into gender-neutral housing under HB The bill has incited controversy in and outside of the Capitol chambers.
