Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A bill requiring that all residential educational programs in Tennessee segregate restrooms, changing areas, and showers according to “immutable biological sex” if minors are allowed to participate or if they have access to residential facilities passed 25 to 4 on Thursday.
The vote was split along party lines with all four Democrats in attendance voting against the legislation.
Senate Bill 0472 (SB0472) sponsored by Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma-District 16) which applies to elementary, middle, and secondary schools, as well as private schools, postsecondary schools, and higher education institutions, was substituted for the companion House Bill 0064.
The vote on the House floor was similarly split according to party earlier this month with all NO votes coming from Democrats.
House sponsor Representative Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood-District 61) filed HB0064 on behalf of constituents who shared concerns after sending their underage daughter to a month-long summer program offered by a private university in Nashville.
Last week, Bowling clarified in the Senate Education Committee that the legislation does not prevent parents from taking young children of the opposite sex into the restroom or prevent those assisting disabled persons.
The bill has a few more clerical steps to go through, and will then head to Governor Bill Lee’s desk.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
