Indiana bill targets transgender bathroom use

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — An Indiana state senator has proposed a bill making it a crime for transgender people to use public bathrooms and locker rooms that do not conform with their genders at birth.

The measure by Wadesville Republican Jim Tomes would make it a misdemeanor crime, carrying a punishment of up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Tomes says he doesn't want to single out transgender people but worries the privacy of women and children in bathrooms is at risk as society become more accepting.

Advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights say Tomes explanation is absurd because the bill specifically singles out transgender people for ridicule.

Tomes disputed the characterization but said people are "entitled" to their opinions.

Brian Slodysko. Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The Gayly - 12/24/2015 @ 1:08 p.m. CST