Wyoming Governor Has Signed Bill On Transgender Restroom Access

Among the bills Governor Mark Gordon has signed into law this week is one that will allow people to file lawsuits if they find a person who is born as a male in a restroom or similar area desiginated for women.

The same would also apply for a person born as a woman in a male-designated area. In addition to restrooms, those would include such areas as locker-rooms, showers and correctional facilities

You can read House Bill 72, the Privacy in Public Spaces Act, here.

The bill was sposnored by Rep. Martha Lawley [R-Big Horn, Washakie counties].

While the bill applies to areas designated for either gender, the main intent of the bill was clearly to protect women from people born male being in female-designated private spaces.

In an op-ed on her bill ahead of the session, Lawley wrote 'This bill ensures that women and girls can feel safe and respected in places where privacy is essential—bathrooms, locker rooms, showers, and correctional facilities.'' 

Bill Says Signs Can Be Posted On Transgender Access

An amendment added to the bill in the legislative process specifies what steps might be taken to keep transgender people from using restrooms they are not supposed to use "Reasonable steps may  include but are not limited to posting  appropriate signage and adopting policies and procedures for the enforcement of the  provisions of this act.". 

The ACLU of Wyoming had opposed the bill. ''Like previous efforts to expel people of color, people with disabilities, and others from communal spaces, these arguments for privacy just mask a fear of difference. Eroding the fundamental rights of transgender people is dangerous for every one of us.''

Governor Gordon offered no comment on the bill after signing it into law on Monday.