Montana Lawmakers Reject Transgender Bathroom Ban in State Capitol

A proposal targeting Rep. Zooey Zephyr was voted down with bipartisan opposition, marking a setback for efforts to restrict restroom access for transgender lawmakers.

• Montana's Joint Rules Committee voted against a measure that would have barred transgender legislators from using bathrooms aligning with their gender identity in the state Capitol.
• The proposal, introduced by Republican Rep. Jerry Schillinger, failed in the House committee by a 12-10 vote, despite passing the Senate committee 11-7.
• Democratic Rep. Zooey Zephyr, Montana's first openly transgender legislator, praised Republican colleagues who opposed the measure, calling it a distraction from legislative priorities.
• Several Republican lawmakers, including Rep. David Bedey, argued that the measure would bring unnecessary national attention and detract from effective governance.
• The failed measure reflects broader national debates, including similar efforts by congressional Republicans to restrict restroom access for incoming Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of Congress.

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