In its effort to address women’s concerns, the Mississippi government took a step forward on Wednesday.
Senate Bill 2753, known as the SAFER Act by Republican Sen. Josh Harkins of Flowood, was amended and approved by the House to impose restrictions on transgender women’s access to locker rooms and restrooms in public facilities. For example, if the bill were to become law, a transgender woman attending a public college might be required to use men’s dormitories on campus.
The phrase “as identified or verified at birth” is included in the legislation, which may not be conducive to public settings. Despite lacking Democratic support, the SAFER Act passed easily in the chamber thanks to a significant majority of Republicans.
Republican Representative Joey Hood of Ackerman reiterated, “We’re going to ensure that boys go to the boys’ bathrooms and girls go to the girls’ bathrooms.”
Democratic Representative Zakiya Summers of Jackson, who is Black, views the act as anti-transgender and targeting a small segment of the population, likening it to Jim Crow-era laws.
Summers, unable to sway any Republicans to cross party lines, stated, “It reminded me of what my ancestors had to endure when they couldn’t use the restroom either, and they wouldn’t dare dip their toe in a pool.”
Following a highly publicized incident in Alaska where a Planet Fitness employee was instructed to assist a transgender customer in the women’s locker room, Mississippi Republicans have made the latest attempt to limit transgender individuals’ access to public spaces. Another gym patron was banned from the same Planet Fitness in Fairbanks after posting a picture of the transgender woman shaving her face in the women’s locker room, sparking a backlash that led to the company’s value plummeting by $400 million in five weeks.
Paula Scanlan, a former University of Pennsylvania sprinter who has spoken out alongside fellow athlete Riley Gaines, was recently in Mississippi to voice opposition to legislation like the SAFER Act.
“It sounds so simple, it sounds like common sense, and nobody should be on the opposite page,” Scanlan said. “But unfortunately, we have to put these things into law, or we can’t ensure that our young girls will be protected when they’re in these spaces.”
If the Senate approves it, the governor may receive the amended SAFER Act. Tate Reeves has recently signed laws prohibiting biological males from competing in women’s sports and banning minors from receiving gender-affirming care. All indications suggest his willingness to sign the bill.
Stay informed about all of Mississippi’s latest news by signing up for our free newsletter.
Copyright 2024 SuperTalk Mississippi Media. All rights reserved.
