Watch CBS News

Florida Public Bathroom Bill Upsets Transgender People

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (CBSMiami/AP) — A newly passed bill may limit transgender men and women wanting to use a certain bathroom.

Under the bill that passed its first committee Wednesday, transgender women would have to use men's public bathrooms and transgender men would have to use women's rooms unless they have a license or passport that proves they've completed their transition to their new sex.

The House Civil Justice Subcommittee approved the bill Wednesday after listening to more than an hour of emotional testimony from transgender residents who oppose it and supporters who said people shouldn't be using bathrooms designated for the opposite sex.

Republican Rep. Frank Artiles of Miami said the bill was needed to prevent rapes, molestations, voyeurism and other crimes in bathrooms.

But opponents said the bill was simply a way to discriminate against transgender people.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.