House Approves Transgender Student Bathroom Restrictions

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota House wants to restrict transgender students' access to school locker rooms and bathrooms.

Minority Democrats objected fiercely to a Republican move to include the provision in an education budget bill Saturday. The House approved the proposal in a divided voice vote.

Rep. Tim Miller's provision says group locker rooms, bathrooms and showers designated for one sex can't be used by the other. It doesn't preclude schools from offering single-use bathrooms or changing rooms to transgender students.

Miller, a Prinsburg Republican, says it ensures students' privacy. DFL legislators argue it's discriminatory and could lead to legal challenges.

A similar move that would ban transgender students born as male from female athletics stalled in the DFL-led Senate.

The provision still has to go through the Senate and Gov. Mark Dayton.