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.