Montana Rejects Transgender Bathroom Restriction Proposal

Montana lawmakers, including several Republicans, voted to reject a proposal that would have barred transgender individuals from using bathrooms aligned with their gender identity in the state Capitol. The measure, introduced by Republican Rep. Jerry Schillinger, aimed to reserve restrooms based on biological sex as defined by chromosomes and reproductive systems. Democratic Rep. Zooey Zephyr, a transgender woman who would have been directly impacted, praised the decision, calling the proposal a distraction from legislative work. The decision came after four Republicans joined all Democrats in opposing the measure, emphasizing the importance of focusing on substantive legislative issues. This vote reflects broader national debates, including a similar effort to restrict transgender women’s bathroom access at the U.S. Capitol, which remains pending. Critics of the Montana proposal argued that it would lead to unnecessary legal challenges and media attention, detracting from the legislative process.