Tennessee Republicans’ Latest Bill Targets Trans-Inclusive Bathrooms

A new Tennessee law requiring businesses to post a warning sign on trans-inclusive bathrooms is a new pinnacle of transphobic absurdity

Katelyn Burns
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Credit: PlanetTransgender

The Tennessee state legislature wants you to beware — not of poverty or lack of economic opportunity — but instead, of trans people.

Multiple anti-trans bills have passed through the state house there this session, more than any other state in the country. It’s safe to say, Tennessee Republicans are completely trans-obsessed. And their latest bill is the most absurd yet.

Earlier this week, legislators in the state passed a bill requiring businesses with trans inclusive bathrooms to display a warning sign on all bathroom doors.

The signs, which are highlighted in bright red and are topped with NOTICE, read as follows: “This facility maintains a policy of allowing the use of restrooms by either biological sex, regardless of the designation on the restroom.”

The signage law — along with a state-imposed ban on trans kids using school bathrooms consistent with their gender identity — seemingly revives the zombie corpse of the failed Republican war over trans bathroom access. It’s the most forceful legal salvo…

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Katelyn Burns
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Writer for

Political journalist. The first openly trans Capitol Hill reporter in US history. Writing about more than just trans issues. Follow her on Twitter @transscribe