In recent months, the country has been questioning transgender bathroom laws–North Carolina’s case most the most known. But in Massachusetts, they have debated what their bathroom and locker room laws would be, in regards to the transgender community.

In the beginning of June, Massachusetts was in the process of passing a bill allowing those who are transgender to use whichever bathroom and locker room for the gender they identify as. According to an article on the Boston new station, WCVB5’s website, there was a law passed in 2011 that prohibits discrimination in employment and housing situations, but not public accommodations like restaurants.

People who did not agree with the passing of the bill felt that it put people’s safety in danger due to predators. They also claim that it takes away the public’s privacy in the restroom and locker rooms.

In an article released by The Big Story, people in favor of transgender bathrooms saw there were no public safety issues in the 18 states that have laws regarding using the bathroom of the gender they identify as.

The article “Arrowhead, Pewaukee school superintendents weigh in on transgender issue” released by the Lake Country Reporter and written by Bob Dohr, the article talks about the rules in place for those who identify as transgender. For Arrowhead, superintendent Laura Myrah said each students case is addressed individually, according to the article.

Senior Nick Rahmel says, “I think trans people should be able to use the bathrooms they want to keep them safe and comfortable. I think they should only be able to use the bathrooms they want after legally changing their gender however, to prevent people with ill intentions from claiming to be transgender to get away with attempted crimes.” He went on to say that he also does not agree with North Carolina stating that their anti-trans law is to prevent predators from entering bathrooms they shouldn’t be in.
English Teacher Elizabeth Jorgensen says, “I think that students should use the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity.” She continued by saying she is proud to be at an accepting and welcoming school.