The Wyoming Senate has passed a bill requiring students in publicly funded schools to use restrooms corresponding to their sex at birth, KGAB AM 650 reports.
The bill, Senate File 62, was approved by a vote of 27-3 and will now move to the Wyoming House of Representatives for further consideration.
Sponsored by Sen. Dan Laursen, R-Park/Bighorn Counties, the bill mandates that public schools enforce restroom usage based on biological sex rather than gender identity. Supporters of the bill argue that it provides clarity and consistency in restroom policies across schools, while opponents raise concerns about individual rights and local control.
During floor debate, Sen. Chris Rothfuss, D-Albany County, expressed concerns that the issue is already being handled effectively by local school districts and that lawsuits are likely to follow the passage of the bill. He emphasized that each school district in Wyoming has already developed policies to address gender-related restroom usage and believes these decisions should be left to the discretion of local authorities.
“They’ve got this,” Rothfuss said.
He suggested that individual schools should have the flexibility to address the issue on a case-by-case basis.
In contrast, Sen. Tara Nethercott, R-Laramie County, rejected arguments for local control on the issue. She asserted that local school districts have not been transparent about their positions on the matter, suggesting that they are hesitant to take a firm stance due to the complexity of the issue.
“It’s time for a little ownership and personal responsibility,” Nethercott said.
She emphasized the state’s role in making decisions on such social matters.
The bill’s passage marks a significant step in Wyoming’s ongoing debate over how public schools should address the needs of transgender and gender-nonconforming students. With the bill now moving to the House, further discussions are expected on the implications of this proposed change to restroom policies.
The bill’s approval came after a lengthy discussion and final votes on the third reading. Of the senators who voted, 27 supported the bill, three opposed it, and one was excused from voting.
