Rep. Ajello Says Transgender Bathroom Bill is Not Necessary in RI

Rep. Ajello Says Transgender Bathroom Bill is Not Necessary in RI

Representative Edith Ajello has determined legislation that she planned to introduce on Tuesday regarding transgender rights isn't necessary. She came to the decision after conferring with LGBT advocates following the U.S. Department of Education's letter to schools on allowing transgender students to use the restroom of their choice. 

“Recent attacks on transgender people’s rights across the country have been particularly distressing to witness. I wanted to make sure that we are doing everything we can in Rhode Island to protect the transgender community, especially transgender youth. Given developments in the law, including the U.S. Department of Education’s letter Friday affirming the right of transgender students to access safe and appropriate restrooms, I am now reassured that additional legislation is not needed in Rhode Island,” Representative Ajello said.

Ajello had previously announced her intention to file legislation aimed at protecting the right of transgender individuals to use public restrooms corresponding to their gender identity. The next day, the Department of Education sent a letter to schools across the country instructing them to allow transgender students to use the restroom corresponding with their gender identity. 

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15th Anniversary of RI's Transgender anti-discrimination law 

This month marks the 15th anniversary of Rhode Island's own transgender anti-discrimination law, the second in the country.  The law contains clear and expansive protections for transgender people in employment, housing and public spaces, including restrooms. 

“Rhode Island has been a leader in protecting transgender people under the law. We have one of the oldest laws in the country protecting transgender people to be who they are, without fear of discrimination or violence,” said Janson Wu, Executive Director of GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD).

In addition to RI's law, a federal appellate court in Virginia ruled under federal law in favor of a transgender male student who was prohibited by his school to use the boys' restroom. In 2014, the highest court in Maine affirmed the right of a transgender girl to use the girl's restroom in her school. 

Learn More 

Anyone that has been discriminated for being transgender or gender-nonconforming in public spaces, including restrooms, can learn more about their legal rights by clicking here.