New transgender bathroom bill passes Tennessee House, moves to Senate
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — A new transgender bathroom bill passed the Tennessee House 65-24 on Monday. The bill now moves to the Senate for a vote on Wednesday.
The "Tennessee Accommodations for All Children Act," or HB1233/SB1367 sponsored by Rep. Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville) and Sen. Mike Bell (R-Riceville) could be headed to the governor's desk if it passes both the state House and Senate.
Opponents of the bill say this is just another piece of legislation some are calling the '2021 Slate of Hate.'
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The bill opens schools up to legal trouble if they not provide "reasonable accommodations" to any person unwilling to share multi-person public school bathrooms, locker rooms or other changing facility.
It would allow public school students to refuse to use these restrooms if the school allowed transgender students in them. The school would have to provide a single occupancy restroom for objecting persons.
A family in Cleveland, Tenn. says the bill is is a waste of time and resources by the legislature, and that it promotes segregation in schools.
"I don't know anybody who has even known they've been in the bathroom with a trans person, and if they have, it doesn't bother them," Jennifer White, a mother of three, said.
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Meanwhile, Gov. Bill Lee is poised to sign a bill that lets parents opt their kids out of any instruction concerning sexual orientation or gender identity.
This story will be updated with the latest vote information.
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