The California Assembly on Thursday passed a bill that would ensure students access to programs and facilities – including restrooms – based on their gender identity and not their biological sex.
Legislators passed Assembly Bill 1266 giving “equal and full access to programs and facilities on the basis of (students’) gender identity,” according to a statement from Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco. AB 1266 next goes to the State Senate.
According to Ammiano, the bill would clarify existing law that already bans discrimination against transgender students. He contended in his statement that many school districts are not in compliance with current requirements.
Sponsors for AB 1266 are the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Equality California, Transgender Law Center and Gay Straight Alliance Network, according to Ammiano.
“Because somebody is uncomfortable is not a reason to discriminate,” Ammiano said in the statement.
The Pacific Justice Institute is opposing the bill and established a website, genderinsanity.com, to get out its message.
“Under this legislation,” according to the site, “there are absolutely no safeguards against abuse. Any teenage boy who ‘identifies’ with teenage girls must be given full access to girls’ teams and facilities – including showers, bathrooms and locker rooms.”
Assembly Bill 1266 next goes to the State Senate.
Look back for local reaction.