Montana Lawmakers Reject Ban on Transgender Restrooms

Montana's Joint Rules Committee voted against a proposed measure to bar state Rep. Zooey Zephyr, the first openly transgender legislator in Montana, from using the women's restroom at the state capitol. The measure, introduced by Republican Rep. Jerry Schillinger, failed to pass the House Rules Committee with a vote of 10-12, despite receiving support from the Senate. Zephyr expressed gratitude to the colleagues who opposed the ban, stating it was a distraction from legislative duties. The proposed ban aimed to enforce restroom use based on sex assigned at birth, but raised concerns about enforcement methods. Four Republicans joined Democrats in opposing the measure, emphasizing the need for the legislature to focus on substantive issues. This outcome reflects ongoing debates around transgender rights in legislative contexts, similar to discussions happening in Congress.