MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today, the Alabama Legislature passed House Bill 322. This is an egregious attack on Alabama transgender youth by state lawmakers.
HB 322 discriminates against transgender youth by banning them from using restrooms that align with their gender identity in public K-12 schools. It also invokes legislation similar to Florida’s controversial 'Don't Say Gay' bill by banning classroom instruction or discussion of gender identity in public elementary schools.
Make no mistake, this legislation is part of a systematic and growing attack on trans people, particularly trans youth, in all aspects of life.
"By singling out transgender students for discrimination and excluding them from restrooms and locker rooms that match their gender identity, HB 322 discriminates based on transgender status and sex in violation of the United States Constitution and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act," said Tish Gotell Faulks, legal director for the ACLU of Alabama.
"The passage of this bill sends a message to vulnerable transgender youth that they are not welcome or accepted in their communities. It also exposes school districts and the state to costly litigation and the potential loss of federal funding for education."
The bill will now be sent to Governor Kay Ivey to decide whether to sign this bill into law.
