Premium Content:

Kansas proposes new law over trans people's bathroom use

Bathroom by Paul Green

The US state of Kansas is considering bringing in laws that would make it illegal for transgender people to use the bathroom matching their gender identity. Students who encounter some one using the “incorrect” bathroom would be awards $2,500.

- Advertisement -

The proposed ‘Student Privacy Act’ would require students of all public schools and universities to use the restroom corresponding to their assigned-at-birth sex, and not the gender they identify with. The bill defines gender as ““determined by a person’s chromosomes and is identified at birth by a person’s anatomy.”

The proposal has been condemned by transgender rights activists who have said the move will lead to transgender people being targeted.

Tom Witt, executive director of Equality Kansas, told the The Lexington Herald Reader the bills would ban transgender students from using restroom facilities appropriate to their gender.

“This is isolating kids,” Witt said, “and it’s not going to end well.

“It’s outing them. It’s putting a target on their backs.”

Republican Senator Mary Pilcher-Cook, who is in favour of the restrictions, has said they are needed for privacy and public safety reasons.

“I think any child or young adult has a right to have their privacy protected when they’re in various stages of undress,” the senator said.

If the bills are passed students who encounter a transgender person in the bathroom would be allowed to sue their school or University for $2,500 plus additional compensation payouts for “psychological, emotional and physical harm suffered as a result.”

Image: Unsplash – Paul Green  

Latest

ACON criticises NSW government’s rejection of hate incitement law expansion

ACON has condemned the NSW Government's rejection of recommendations to extend hate-incitement protections to LGBTQIA+ people and others.

Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut ‘The Chronology of Water’ coming to Luna

Actor Kristen Stewart makes her feature directorial debut with The Chronology of Water, also serving as the film’s producer and screenwriter.

On This Gay Day | Danish author Hans Christian Andersen died in 1875

On this day in 1875, Hans Christian Andersen died aged 70, leaving a legacy of beloved fairy tales and literature.

Court hears allegations against Alan Jones as criminal trial begins

A Sydney court has heard allegations against Alan Jones as his criminal trial begins, with the broadcaster denying all charges.

Newsletter

Don't miss

ACON criticises NSW government’s rejection of hate incitement law expansion

ACON has condemned the NSW Government's rejection of recommendations to extend hate-incitement protections to LGBTQIA+ people and others.

Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut ‘The Chronology of Water’ coming to Luna

Actor Kristen Stewart makes her feature directorial debut with The Chronology of Water, also serving as the film’s producer and screenwriter.

On This Gay Day | Danish author Hans Christian Andersen died in 1875

On this day in 1875, Hans Christian Andersen died aged 70, leaving a legacy of beloved fairy tales and literature.

Court hears allegations against Alan Jones as criminal trial begins

A Sydney court has heard allegations against Alan Jones as his criminal trial begins, with the broadcaster denying all charges.

Jason Heath named new GM of Melbourne’s JOY Media

Jason Heath has been appointed General Manager of JOY Media, bringing more than a decade of experience with the broadcaster.

ACON criticises NSW government’s rejection of hate incitement law expansion

ACON has condemned the NSW Government's rejection of recommendations to extend hate-incitement protections to LGBTQIA+ people and others.

Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut ‘The Chronology of Water’ coming to Luna

Actor Kristen Stewart makes her feature directorial debut with The Chronology of Water, also serving as the film’s producer and screenwriter.

On This Gay Day | Danish author Hans Christian Andersen died in 1875

On this day in 1875, Hans Christian Andersen died aged 70, leaving a legacy of beloved fairy tales and literature.