The Transgender Legal defense and Education Fund (TLDEF) denounces yet another attempt to target transgender students for discrimination, this time in Minnesota. Republican state lawmakers introduced identical bills in the Minnesota State House and Senate. HF 1456 and SF 1543 would deny transgender students the ability to play on sports teams or use bathrooms and locker rooms that match who they are as boys and girls.
Statement from TLDEF Executive Director Michael Silverman
“Like all students, transgender students thrive when they can be themselves in school. That includes playing on sports teams and using bathrooms and locker rooms that match who they truly are as boys and girls. This legislation would harm transgender students who are already vulnerable to bullying and other harassment. It is wrong and it is illegal. It violates Title IX’s anti-discrimination provisions as interpreted by the United States Departments of Justice and Education.
“These Minnesota bills come on the heels of similar Kentucky legislation that singles out transgender students for bias, as well as proposed bills in Texas and Florida that would make it a crime for transgender people to use restrooms consistent with who they are. This is a disturbing trend that must be stopped. Transgender people deserve the same opportunities to participate fully in schools and society at large without fear of discrimination. This legislation will only cause hardship for transgender children and adolescents and we hope that it is defeated.”
Reblogged this on Fairy JerBear's Queer World News, Views & More From The City Different – Santa Fe, NM and commented:
Targeting one of the most vulnerable student populations is pure bigotry…
It may be obvious to say this but people in Minnesota should campaign to defeat this bill.
Thanks sharing. NOTE also …there will be an 11 part reality series out this fall starring Jazz Jennings a 14 yo trans. RW should have a field day with this! see on HuffPo
http://tinyurl.com/orzdgxk