Referendum will let Montana voters decide issue of transgender bathrooms

Helena – Representative Carl Glimm (R-Kila) announced the Montana locker room privacy act on Thursday. The bill would create a ballot referendum that would protect privacy for people in locker rooms and showers in public schools and other government facilities by barring men from women’s facilities.

“The government has a duty to protect the privacy, safety and dignity of all people,” Rep. Glimm said. “It’s just common sense. Girls shouldn’t have to shower and change clothes next to boys.”

In 2016, the Obama administration issued a letter that schools must permit boys who identify as girls to us the girls’ locker rooms and bathrooms. The Trump administration rescinded the directive stating that such issues should be addressed at the state level.

“High school girls shouldn’t be forced to shower or change clothes next to a boy, even if he thinks he’s a girl. Instead, this bill creates compassionate solutions that honor the privacy, safety and dignity of all parties,” said Jeff Laszloffy, President of the Montana Family Foundation.

Supporters say the bill will be formally introduced to the Montana legislature within a week. The bill will create a ballot referendum that says public schools and government entities may not allow biological men in girls’ locker rooms and showers and authorizes local schools to craft “thoughtful accommodations” that take into consideration the needs of all students.

If passed by the legislature the Montana locker room privacy act would appear as a referendum on the 2018 general election ballot.

By: Big Sky Headlines Staff