Thread by @snarkycindy

As if today wasn’t enough, the #okleg house floor is hearing SB 615 (bathroom ban for trans students) now. If it passes, it will go to the Governor for signature.

Rep. Ranson: Did the school district in question request the Oklahoma legislature to author a bill like this?

Rep. Kevin West: In a roundabout way, they did.

So no.

Rep. Turner: If we are forcing students to use separate restrooms based on what is on their birth certificate, this sounds suspiciously close to “separate but equal.”

Rep. Dollens: If somebody complained about a student using the “wrong” restroom, who would be assigned to watch that student and restroom? Who would take time out of their busy day to address this?

Rep. West: There are lots of people available. It’s like monitoring the halls.

In the midst of questions on preventing trans and gender diverse students from using restrooms that align with their gender identity or use a separate single-user restroom, the Speaker of the House misgenders Rep. Turner.

Rep. Waldron: A family in Tahlequah told me when they hear bills like this being debated in the Oklahoma legislature, they can feel the hate.

Families are fleeing this state to find safety from the harmful actions of this legislature.

Leader Virgin: The party of small government now entering the medical offices and bathrooms of Oklahomans. Kids simply want to be left alone. To the trans kids listening to this debate, I am deeply sorry.

Rep. Williams: We didn’t have this issue back in my day. Boys went to boy restrooms and girls went to girl restrooms.

Should be noted that trans people have always existed. The only reason you may not know is that you have yet to establish yourself as a safe person.

SB 615, a bill banning trans students from using the restroom that aligns with their gender identity or use a separate single-user restroom, with schools refusing to comply facing a 5% funding cut, passes the house floor 69-14.

It is now headed to the Governor.