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/ (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.
QuoteBut the situation dissolved when the grandfather of another boy at Asa Adams School objected to the special arrangement.
What was he objecting to? Because his grandson couldn't go into a girls private area? Or because he grandson was being denied the right to bully this little girl?