The Missouri House of Representatives passed legislation Monday that would require public institutions to designate multi-occupancy restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters for the exclusive use of males or females.
House Bill 2536, sponsored by Rep. Becky Laubinger (R – St. Francois), defines “male” and “female” based on sex at birth and requires correctional centers, juvenile detention facilities, public buildings, public elementary and high schools, and state institutions of higher education to restrict access to sex-separated spaces. The bill includes some exceptions, such as maintenance work, emergency response, medical or law enforcement assistance, and coaching during athletic events.
Additionally, the measure would make permanent the current state law prohibiting male students from participating in female athletic competitions, and vice versa.
The bill, which was voted out by a 101-48 margin, has now been reported to the Senate. The Missouri Catholic Conference testified in favor of HB 2536 at a House committee hearing last month.