House rejects bill shielding groups from transgender access complaints
By Kevin Miller, BDN Staff
Posted June 07, 2011, at 11:57 p.m.
http://bangordailynews.com/2011/06/07/politics/house-rejects-bill-shielding-businesses-from-transgender-access-complaints/AUGUSTA, Maine — House lawmakers voted late Tuesday night to reject a bill inspired by the high-profile case of a transgender elementary school student from Orono who was denied access to the girls bathroom.
The controversial bill would have shielded public institutions — including schools — and businesses from discrimination complaints filed by transgender individuals upset with policies restricting their access to bathrooms, showers or locker rooms.
But the bill failed on a 61-81 vote Tuesday night after emotional debate that touched upon the topics of gender identification, sexuality, bullying and personal privacy.
