Iowa Lawmakers Send School Bathroom Bill to Governor

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Transgender students won’t be allowed to use a public school restroom in Iowa that aligns with their gender identity under a bill that Gov. Kim Reynolds is is expected to sign into law.

The bill got final legislative approve Thursday. Only Republicans voted for it. They argued it’s needed to protect children who might feel uncomfortable sharing a restroom with transgender students. Opponents countered that the bill was unnecessary and could lead to harassment against transgender students.

The House on Thursday approved the measure 57-39, with five Republicans joining 34 Democrats in opposing the proposal. The vote came a week after the Senate approved the bill.