Oklahoma City (AP) – Oklahoma school districts could be required to provide restrooms that exclude some transgender students under a bill advancing through the Legislature.
The Oklahoma Senate Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget approved Senate Bill 1619 on May 20 by a vote of 20-15.
Under the proposal, students or parents could apply to their school board for a religious accommodation to use a restroom, athletic changing facility or shower designated for the exclusive use of those whose sex at birth matches the student’s own.
Schools providing single-occupancy facilities would not count as an allowable accommodation under the bill.
Supporters say the proposal protects students with religious objections to sharing space with their transgender peers. Opponents argue the proposal’s terminology is vague and that the bill should have been amended before consideration.
