(SACRAMENTO, CA) \u2013 The California State Legislature passed a bill authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) to establish the nation\u2019s most inclusive restroom access law.\u00a0 The vote followed a federal judge\u2019s ruling preventing the U.S. Department of Education from implementing guidance requiring school districts to allow transgender students to choose which restroom and locker facilities to use based on gender identity.<\/p>\n
If signed into law, Ting\u2019s AB 1732 would require single-occupancy restrooms in California businesses, government buildings, and places of public accommodation to be universally accessible to all genders starting March 1, 2017.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis bill sends a simple message that everyone\u2019s rights must be respected and protected.\u00a0 It provides a common sense alternative to the hate being enacted in other states,\u201d said Ting.\u00a0 \u201cRestricting access to single use restrooms defies reason.\u00a0 It is a basic necessity of life and everyone should get in and out on the same terms.\u00a0 By signing this bill, Governor Jerry Brown can chart a new course for equality that other states should follow.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sponsored by Equality California, the Transgender Law Center and California NOW, AB 1732 passed the Assembly today with a 57-16 vote following a 28-7 Senate vote last Thursday.\u00a0 It now moves to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature or veto before the end of September.<\/p>\n
“This is a common sense proposal,” said Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California.\u00a0 “Our home restrooms are already all-gender.\u00a0 So are restrooms on airplanes and at many hospitals and gas stations.\u00a0 The benefits of this simple change will enable all Californians to use restrooms in a way that is more safe, fair, and convenient.”<\/p>\n
\u201cThis law is a simple measure that will make everyone\u2019s lives easier,\u201d said Kris Hayashi, Executive Director of Transgender Law Center. \u00a0\u201cHaving restrooms open to all genders will mean less hassle for everyone going about their day, and will allow people who don\u2019t fit neatly into expectations of what it looks like to be male or female to use the restroom without fear of harassment.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving access to facilities when they are most needed is important to our health,\u201d said Jerilyn Stapleton, President of California NOW.\u00a0 \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t have to wait or postpone having our needs fairly met in public. \u00a0Everyone should experience equal waiting time.\u00a0 We have universal bathroom access at home and on airplanes so why not require it in public buildings?<\/p>\n
In March, North Carolina enacted HB 2, which requires people to use public restrooms consistent with their gender at birth.\u00a0 In April, Mississippi enacted HB 1523, which allows anti-LGBT discrimination on the basis of religion.\u00a0 Earlier this month, a federal judge upheld a prior injunction to prevent Mississippi\u2019s law from taking effect.<\/p>\n