Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –
Legislation requiring that all residential educational programs in Tennessee segregate their restrooms, changing areas, and showers according to “immutable biological sex” if the program allows minors to participate or to access residential facilities passed along party lines by an 8-1 vote in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.
Senate Bill 472 (SB0472), sponsored by Sen. Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma-District 16), would apply to elementary, middle, and secondary schools, as well as private schools, postsecondary schools, and higher education institutions.
Sen. Bowling clarified in committee that this legislation will not prevent parents from taking their young children of the opposite sex into the restroom.
She also clarified that this would not prevent those assisting disabled persons from doing so in the case that a disabled person cannot use the bathroom by themselves.
“I would just appreciate a favorable vote on this to protect the young boys and young girls, minors, in our state to be able to go into the bathroom with people of the same sex,” Bowling said.
Republican Senators Rusty Crowe, Ferrell Haile, Joey Hensley, Adam Lowe, Mark Pody, Bill Powers, Kerry Roberts, and Dawn White all voted in favor of SB0472.
Democrat Senator Raumesh Akbari was the only no vote.
SB0472 will now proceed to the Senate floor for a vote.
The corresponding House Bill 64 (HB0064), sponsored by Rep. Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood-District 61) has also successfully made its way through the committee process and will soon be scheduled for a vote on the House floor.
About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee. Adelia is The Tennessee Conservative’s on-site reporter for the Tennessee General Assembly. You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
