Transgender students in California may use restrooms based on gender identity under new law
A new California law allows transgender students in public schools to compete in sex-segregated sports and use facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms based on their gender identity.
Gov. Jerry Brown signed the law on Monday, report the San Francisco Chronicle and the Los Angeles Times. It takes effect in January.
State law already prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, but supporters of the new law say it is designed to provide extra clarity, the Chronicle says. Similarly, bylaws of the California Interscholastic Federation already require school athletic programs to allow students to play on teams in accord with their gender identity. And the Los Angeles and San Francisco school districts already have policies to accommodate transgender students..
Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, D-San Francisco, says he introduced the bill to reduce school bullying and help transgender students feel more comfortable.
