ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Republican state lawmakers are looking to set boundaries over which restrooms transgender kids can use in public schools.
HB 936 is sponsored by Rep. Josh Bonner (R – Fayetteville). The bill would require all elementary and middle schools to have all-male and all-female restrooms, changing areas, and showers. If a student is transgender, they would have their own room.
“This is a reaction to what parents across the state are asking for. If there is a child in a school who is confused about their identity, it gives them a separate room they can go into that is different than a boy’s room or a girl’s room,” said Rep. Bonner.
According to a report from the education nonprofit the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network, 72% of transgender students in Georgia reported they are unable to use the school bathroom aligned with their gender. Groups opposing the bill are readying their response when the education committee holds a hearing.
2020-2021 Georgia Teacher of the Year Tracey Nance said the bill sends a bad message to students.
“People think that our kids aren’t listening and they’re not aware, but they are very much aware and when we put a resource into things like separate bathrooms it’s trying to point out a problem that’s not there. [Students] are smart, they are beautiful, they are 100% accepting. Hatred, discrimination, and prejudice- those things are taught and our kids are watching,” said Nance.
Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved.
