Utah Legislature passes bill restricting transgender housing rights

The Utah Legislature has approved a bill, HB289, that restricts transgender college students from living in dormitories that do not correspond with their sex at birth, which will soon be sent to Governor Spencer Cox for his signature. Supporters argue it aims to provide privacy protections for female students, while opponents view it as discriminatory and detrimental to the transgender community, citing ongoing legislative actions perceived as targeting transgender individuals. The bill was influenced by a controversy at Utah State University where a transgender resident assistant was involved in a dispute over shared living spaces. In a parallel legislative effort, Ohio senators introduced a bill aimed at preventing individuals convicted of domestic violence from owning firearms, highlighting a commitment to protecting survivors. Meanwhile, in Washington, a lawmaker proposed a bill to ensure that inmates with a history of physical or sexual assault are not housed with inmates of the opposite sex, sparked by a troubling incident at a women's prison. These legislative moves reflect broader national discussions regarding the rights and protections of various groups within the context of safety and inclusion.