Bill on transgendered restroom use draws heated, emotional
By Heather Steeves, BDN Staff
Posted April 12, 2011, at 7:55 p.m.
http://new.bangordailynews.com/2011/04/12/politics/bill-on-transgendered-restroom-use-draws-heated-emotional-debate/AUGUSTA, Maine — A bill concerning transgendered people's right to choose which restroom they use generated heated debate at a public hearing Tuesday.
Dozens of people gave impassioned, emotional testimony on LD 1046, which would allow the operator of a restroom or shower facility to decide who can use which gender's restroom.
-----
Maine Bill Would Repeal Protections for the Transgendered
04/12/2011 Reported By: A.J. Higgins
http://www.mpbn.net/News/MaineNewsArchive/tabid/181/ctl/ViewItem/mid/3475/ItemId/15978/Default.aspxThe Maine Legislature is considering a bill that critics say would impinge on the rights of transgendered people. Currently, a transgendered person is entitled to the protection of the Maine Human Rights Act when seeking accommodations to rest rooms, showers and changing facilities. But a bill sponsored by a Newport Republican lawmaker would repeal those protections.
The restroom issue has sparked past legal challenges involving the Orono school department and an Auburn restaurant. But regardless of the process that gave transgendered people protection under the Maine Human Rights Act five years ago, state Rep. Ken Fredette says the time has come to reconsider.
----------
Bill sparked by Auburn woman's case would permit businesses to establish rules for bathroom use by biological sex
By Glens Adams, Associated Press Writer
Apr 12, 2011 5:18 pm
http://www.sunjournal.com/approved/story/1014293AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A transgendered woman is denied the use of the ladies room in a chain restaurant in Auburn.
In Orono, a middle school boy who identifies as a girl isn't allowed to use the girls' bathroom.
The two cases, which have sparked lawsuits in Superior Court, moved into Maine's legislative arena Tuesday. The Judiciary Committee took up a bill to let businesses, schools and other agencies off the legal hook if they make their own decisions on who should use their restrooms and showers.
