Oppose Missouri's Draconian Bathroom Bills

I urge you to oppose HB1674 (Matthiesen), HB2308 (Schnelting), HB2355 (Baker), HB2357 (Lonsdale), SB1274 (Schroer), SB 974 (Fitzwater), and any similar bills. These bills may purport to address concerns about restroom access, but their restrictive provisions are nothing short of draconian, particularly in their impact on transgender individuals and young people. By rigidly defining gender identity and limiting restroom use based on outdated notions of biological sex, these bills not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also create a hostile environment for transgender students and employees, further perpetuating discrimination. HB 1674’s narrow exceptions for individuals who have undergone a full medical procedure to change their sex are both invasive and discriminatory, disregarding the dignity and autonomy of transgender individuals who may not pursue such procedures or for whom it may not be medically advisable. Furthermore, singling out transgender employees in this manner only serves to stigmatize and marginalize them within the workplace. Provision allowing for accommodations with parental consent fail to acknowledge the autonomy and rights of transgender minors, placing an undue burden on them to obtain parental approval for basic facilities access. By forcing these individuals to seek special accommodations, the bill perpetuates a harmful narrative that their gender identity is an exception rather than a valid and integral part of their identity. Moreover, the punitive measures imposed on school districts for non-compliance, such as being ineligible for state aid and labeled as unaccredited, create an atmosphere of fear and coercion, discouraging educational institutions from fostering an inclusive environment. This punitive approach not only harms transgender students but also undermines the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion that should be at the forefront of our education system. These bills perpetuate discrimination and contribute to an environment that marginalizes and stigmatizes transgender individuals, whether in the workplace or in educational settings. These bills undermine the fundamental principles of equality, dignity, and respect that should be upheld for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.