After day of confusion, Oklahoma transgender bathroom bill fails

After a day of legislative maneuvering, Oklahoma SB 1619, the state’s “transgender bathroom” bill, failed on a tie vote in the Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget. The bill could have required school districts to provide separate restrooms for students who object to sharing restrooms with transgender students.

Earlier in the day, the ACLU and Freedom Oklahoma wrote a memo addressed to the Oklahoma State Legislature and Gov. Fallin reading in part, "SB 1619 puts Oklahoma schools at odds with federal law, risking the state the loss of the nearly two billion dollars that Oklahoma schools receive in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education."

In early afternoon, The Gayly learned that leadership in the Oklahoma State House of Representatives would not move the bill forward this session.

However, late in the afternoon, the bill was resurrected, and considered by the Joint Committee. After discussion, on a motion of “Do Pass,” which would have sent the bill to the full House for consideration, the vote was tied at 10-10, meaning that the motion failed. The vote concluded at 6:55 p.m. today, May 24.

Yesterday, both the Tulsa Regional Chamber and Greater Oklahoma City Chamber warned state lawmakers of "severe economic damage" that could result from the measure.

Since the legislature faces a mandatory adjournment date later this week, it is unlikely that the bill will be considered again this session.

Watch www.gayly.com, and our Facebook page, The Gayly, for additional news as it develops.

The Gayly – May 24, 2016 @ 7:15 p.m.