My husband and I are very troubled by the new law that Gov. Sanders recently signed, a bill that bars transgender people from using school restrooms that do not align with the sex listed on their birth certificate, the latest in a series of GOP-led legislative efforts to restrict LGBTQ rights in schools.
The bill, which cleared the state legislature last month, covers restrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms and shower rooms. It allows superintendents, teachers and principals to be fined a minimum of $1,000 if they do not comply with the law, which applies to pre-K through 12th grade in public and charter schools. It goes into effect in late summer, Sanders’ office said.
The law requires “multiple occupancy restroom or changing areas,” be used by those of the same sex “as identified on his or her original birth certificate issued at or near the time of his or her birth.”
As someone with a transgender young adult in my family, I am horrified by this – what a waste of legislative time and how hurtful to a sector of the population.
How on earth will this new law be enforced… cameras in bathroom to be reviewed daily? Don’t teachers and principals have enough to worry about every single day?
There are many issues facing Arkansas – I am a Good Shepherd volunteer and see folks trying to give their family pet to the shelter because they cannot afford pet food, much less feed their family.
Nan Johnson and Dave Spencer