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Lawmaker pushes transgender bathroom restriction

Posted at 6:37 PM, Apr 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-04-11 18:42:12-04

A political fight over who can use which bathrooms in K through 12 schools isn't abating.

Escanaba Republican Senator Tom Casperson says he's committed to introducing legislation to stop students from using a bathroom other than the one matching their birth certificate.

Draft guidelines from the State Board of Education sparked GOP backlash after lawmakers learned the guidelines suggest schools allow transgender students to use bathrooms matching their gender identity.

An online public comment section for the guidelines shows many negative responses from those posting. Many seem to fear the prospect of males using girls' bathrooms.

But State Board of Education President John Austin says any laws limiting which bathrooms transgender students can use might violate federal civil rights law. He says the guidelines are also meant to keep kids safe.