Tennessee bill restricts bathroom use for transgender students

A new bill in Tennessee requires schools with overnight students to separate bathrooms by biological sex. The proposal passed the state's Republican-controlled Senate on Thursday and is now headed to Gov. Bill Lee for approval. The bill has faced strong opposition from LGBTQ activists and a few Democrats in the Senate. This legislation is part of a broader trend in Tennessee, where lawmakers have put forward several measures targeting the transgender community. Currently, five states, including Florida and Ohio, have laws restricting bathroom access for transgender individuals at colleges. Democratic Senator Heidi Campbell expressed concern about the focus on a small segment of the population. Governor Bill Lee has not commented on the bill but is expected to sign it. If signed, the law would take effect immediately. The bill's sponsor, Republican Rep. Gino Bulso, stated it was prompted by parents' concerns after their daughter was asked to share a summer program room with a transgender student. Bulso emphasized the need to protect young girls' privacy and security in bathrooms and showers. Tennessee law already restricts transgender students and staff from using bathrooms that align with their gender identities in K-12 public schools. Transgender individuals have some access to single-occupancy facilities for more privacy. Last year, a federal judge dismissed a legal challenge to this law. In addition to this bathroom bill, Tennessee Republicans have also passed legislation affecting LGBTQ foster children and gender-affirming care for minors. There have been efforts to limit drag performances as well.