United States's first openly transgender member of Congress will not be allowed to use the women's restrooms in Capitol buildings. On Wednesday (Nov 20), House Speaker Mike Johnson voiced his support for banning the newly elected transgender Congresswoman from using women's restrooms and said that they are "reserved for individuals of that biological sex".&nbsp;

"All single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings -- such as restrooms, changing rooms and locker rooms -- are reserved for individuals of that biological sex," Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement.

<h2>McBride responds</h2>

Despite disagreeing with the restrictions, McBride stated she would comply. "Each of us were sent here because voters saw something in us that they value," McBride shared on social media.&nbsp;

She also expressed hope for mutual respect among congressional members and added: "I look forward to seeing those qualities in every member come January. I hope all my colleagues will seek to do the same with me."

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I’m not here to fight about bathrooms. I’m here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families. <a href="https://t.co/bCuv7pIZBY">pic.twitter.com/bCuv7pIZBY</a>
— Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) <a href="https://twitter.com/SarahEMcBride/status/1859316328793862610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The ban on McBride's restroom use follows her historic election earlier this month as the first openly transgender member of Congress. The Democratic congresswoman, as per reports, has received a cold welcome&nbsp;from her Republican colleagues, who maintain&nbsp;control of the House after the November elections.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-cannot-defeat-us-hezbollah-leader-naim-qassem-rejects-ceasefire-terms-777860">'Israel cannot defeat us': Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejects ceasefire terms</a>

<h2>Republicans push bill for broader restrictions</h2>

Representative Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican and Trump ally, earlier this week introduced a resolution to restrict transgender women's restroom access in Capitol facilities.

On Wednesday, Mace expanded her proposal, introducing legislation to apply similar restrictions across all federal properties. &nbsp;

In a statement on social media, Mace said, "biological men do not belong in private women's spaces. Period. Full stop. End of story." &nbsp;

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Biological men do not belong in private women’s spaces. Period. Full stop. End of story. <a href="https://t.co/IhR7kExkBU">pic.twitter.com/IhR7kExkBU</a>
— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepNancyMace/status/1858659671910817924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
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In another post, she called McBride's acceptance of the ban "a step toward acknowledging the rights of women everywhere".

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Sarah McBride’s promise to abide by Speaker Johnson's policy is a step toward acknowledging the rights of women everywhere—something we’ll continue to demand without compromise.
— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) <a href="https://twitter.com/RepNancyMace/status/1859334452431753663?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Democrats and LGBTQ advocates react</h2>

Democrats and LGBTQ rights advocates denounced Mace's resolution and Johnson's support, calling it an affront to transgender dignity.&nbsp;

The ban controversy unfolded on Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to honouring transgender individuals killed due to anti-trans violence — held each year on November 20. President Joe Biden issued a statement commemorating the day but avoided addressing the Capitol restroom debate directly. &nbsp;

"Too many transgender Americans, including young people, are cruelly targeted and face harassment simply for being themselves," said the outgoing US President.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

United States's first openly transgender member of Congress will not be allowed to use the women's restrooms in Capitol buildings. On Wednesday (Nov 20), House Speaker Mike Johnson voiced his support for banning the newly elected transgender Congresswoman from using women's restrooms and said that they are "reserved for individuals of that biological sex".

United States's first openly transgender member of Congress will not be allowed to use the women's restrooms in Capitol buildings. On Wednesday (Nov 20), House Speaker Mike Johnson voiced his support for banning the newly elected transgender Congresswoman from using women's restrooms and said that they are "reserved for individuals of that biological sex". "All single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings -- such as restrooms, changing rooms and locker rooms -- are reserved for individuals of that biological sex," Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement. McBride responds Despite disagreeing with the restrictions, McBride stated she would comply. "Each of us were sent here because voters saw something in us that they value," McBride shared on social media. She also expressed hope for mutual respect among congressional members and added: "I look forward to seeing those qualities in every member come January. I hope all my colleagues will seek to do the same with me." I’m not here to fight about bathrooms. I’m here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families. pic.twitter.com/bCuv7pIZBY — Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) November 20, 2024 × The ban on McBride's restroom use follows her historic election earlier this month as the first openly transgender member of Congress. The Democratic congresswoman, as per reports, has received a cold welcome from her Republican colleagues, who maintain control of the House after the November elections. Also read | 'Israel cannot defeat us': Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejects ceasefire terms Republicans push bill for broader restrictions Representative Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican and Trump ally, earlier this week introduced a resolution to restrict transgender women's restroom access in Capitol facilities. On Wednesday, Mace expanded her proposal, introducing legislation to apply similar restrictions across all federal properties. In a statement on social media, Mace said, "biological men do not belong in private women's spaces. Period. Full stop. End of story." Biological men do not belong in private women’s spaces. Period. Full stop. End of story. pic.twitter.com/IhR7kExkBU — Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) November 18, 2024 × Also read | Hundreds of migrants set out on 2,600-kilometre trek to US border before Trump takes office In another post, she called McBride's acceptance of the ban "a step toward acknowledging the rights of women everywhere". Sarah McBride’s promise to abide by Speaker Johnson's policy is a step toward acknowledging the rights of women everywhere—something we’ll continue to demand without compromise. — Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) November 20, 2024 × Democrats and LGBTQ advocates react Democrats and LGBTQ rights advocates denounced Mace's resolution and Johnson's support, calling it an affront to transgender dignity. The ban controversy unfolded on Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to honouring transgender individuals killed due to anti-trans violence — held each year on November 20. President Joe Biden issued a statement commemorating the day but avoided addressing the Capitol restroom debate directly. "Too many transgender Americans, including young people, are cruelly targeted and face harassment simply for being themselves," said the outgoing US President. (With inputs from agencies)

Republicans ban US' first openly transgender congresswoman from using women's restrooms in Capitol

Transgender women may soon be banned from female wards in the United Kingdom.&nbsp;UK health secretary Steve Barclay, as per reports, is all set to propose a pushback against such "wokery," as he calls it. Previously, the Tory MP has claimed that woke behaviour like this has led to women's rights being increasingly sidelined.

<h2>Common sense</h2>

Talking to the Telegraph, Barclay announced his plans to restore "common sense" to the NHS.

He said: "We need a common-sense approach to sex and equality issues in the NHS. That is why I am announcing proposals for clearer rights for patients."

"And I can confirm that sex-specific language has now been fully restored to online health advice pages about cervical and ovarian cancer and the menopause. It is vital that women’s voices are heard in the NHS and the privacy, dignity and safety of all patients are protected."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/british-pm-sunak-opens-up-on-trans-debate-declares-100-women-do-no-have-penises-583109">British PM Sunak wades into trans debate, declares 100% women do not have penises</a>

Previously, references to women were expunged from advice on menopause and diseases like cervical and ovarian cancer. Terms like "breastfeeding", as per Telegraph, were replaced by "chestfeeding." Additionally, the guidance made reference to pregnant "people" instead of women.

Barclay had labelled this "ideological dogma".&nbsp;

<h2>When will this be announced?</h2>

The UK Health Minister, as per the report, is set to make the announcement on Tuesday (Oct 3rd), during his speech at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester. These changes to the NHS constitution aim to strengthen protection for women.

<h2>Where will the Transgender patients be treated?</h2>

As per the report, trans patients would be housed in separate accommodations, i.e., they will get their own rooms.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/uk-transgender-man-gives-birth-to-girl-after-doctors-said-his-partner-could-never-have-kids-618855">Transgender man gives birth to baby girl in UK, plans on having another child</a>

Citing a 'source' close to the Health Secretary, the Telegraph reported&nbsp;that Barclay "is concerned that women’s voices should be heard on healthcare and that too often wokery and ideological dogma are getting in the way of this."

The move has been welcomed by the campaign group 'Sex Matters'. Its executive director Maya Forstater called it "fantastic news," and remarked that "Undoing the damage (purportedly wrought by staff trans activists) will take years of concerted effort but will bring huge benefits for all patients and staff, most especially women."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Transgender women may soon be banned from female wards in the United Kingdom. UK health secretary Steve Barclay, as per reports, is all set to propose a pushback against such "wokery," as he calls it.

Transgender women may soon be banned from female wards in the United Kingdom. UK health secretary Steve Barclay, as per reports, is all set to propose a pushback against such "wokery," as he calls it. Previously, the Tory MP has claimed that woke behaviour like this has led to women's rights being increasingly sidelined. Common sense Talking to the Telegraph, Barclay announced his plans to restore "common sense" to the NHS. He said: "We need a common-sense approach to sex and equality issues in the NHS. That is why I am announcing proposals for clearer rights for patients." "And I can confirm that sex-specific language has now been fully restored to online health advice pages about cervical and ovarian cancer and the menopause. It is vital that women’s voices are heard in the NHS and the privacy, dignity and safety of all patients are protected." Also read | British PM Sunak wades into trans debate, declares 100% women do not have penises Previously, references to women were expunged from advice on menopause and diseases like cervical and ovarian cancer. Terms like "breastfeeding", as per Telegraph, were replaced by "chestfeeding." Additionally, the guidance made reference to pregnant "people" instead of women. Barclay had labelled this "ideological dogma". When will this be announced? The UK Health Minister, as per the report, is set to make the announcement on Tuesday (Oct 3rd), during his speech at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester. These changes to the NHS constitution aim to strengthen protection for women. Where will the Transgender patients be treated? As per the report, trans patients would be housed in separate accommodations, i.e., they will get their own rooms. Also read | Transgender man gives birth to baby girl in UK, plans on having another child Citing a 'source' close to the Health Secretary, the Telegraph reported that Barclay "is concerned that women’s voices should be heard on healthcare and that too often wokery and ideological dogma are getting in the way of this." The move has been welcomed by the campaign group 'Sex Matters'. Its executive director Maya Forstater called it "fantastic news," and remarked that "Undoing the damage (purportedly wrought by staff trans activists) will take years of concerted effort but will bring huge benefits for all patients and staff, most especially women." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK health secretary pushes against 'wokery', to ban transgender patients from female wards

In a significant legal victory for transgender rights, US District Judge Robert Hinkle on Wednesday (June 21) struck down a Florida rule and statute that prohibited state Medicaid payments for transgender healthcare. This marks the second defeat in two weeks for anti-transgender legislation in Florida.&nbsp;

<h2>What the judge said</h2>

Judge Hinkle declared the state's practices invalid, stating that they violated the constitutional right to equal protection under the 14th Amendment, as well as the federal Medicaid statute and the Affordable Care Act's prohibition of sex discrimination.

The ruling, as per Reuters, was not unexpected. Judge Hinkle had already issued a partial block on Florida's ban on gender-affirming care for individuals under 18 on June 6.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gender-identity-is-real-judge-places-temporary-halts-ban-on-gender-affirming-care-for-transgender-children-601490">'Gender identity is real': Judge temporarily halts Florida law banning gender-affirming care for trans kids</a>

In his 54-page ruling, Judge Hinkle emphasised the reality of gender identity. He said that those who oppose transgender existence "tend to disapprove all things transgender and so oppose medical care that supports a person's transgender existence."

He also noted that gender identity is a real aspect of a person's life.

"The elephant in the room should be noted at the outset. Gender identity is real. The record makes this clear," he wrote in his ruling.

<h2>Anti-trans laws and the United States</h2>

Similar laws banning gender-affirming care have been blocked by district court judges in other states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, and Oklahoma.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, Republican lawmakers have however introduced over 500 bills restricting LGBTQ rights during the past legislative year, with more than 70 of them passing into law.&nbsp;

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So far, 20 states have enacted laws banning gender-affirming care for minors. The sponsors of these laws claim that they aim to protect children who may be misled by parents and doctors and later regret their gender transition.

<h2>Who was behind the lawsuit?</h2>

The plaintiffs in the case included two transgender adults, August Dekker and Brit Rothstein, as well as two transgender minors who filed under pseudonyms.&nbsp;

On the opposing side was the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and its secretary, Jason Weida.

<h2>What is Medicaid?</h2>

Medicaid, as per the US Department of Health and Human Services, &nbsp;is a joint federal and state programme that helps cover medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.

The AHCA had initially approved Medicaid payments for gender-affirming care, but in 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis ordered the agency to conduct a new analysis, which led to a reversal of the decision.&nbsp;

Judge Henkin found that the subsequent process was biased and aimed at justifying a predetermined outcome, rather than conducting a fair analysis of the evidence.&nbsp;As per him, the AHCA "retained only consultants known in advance for their staunch opposition to gender-affirming care."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a significant legal victory for transgender rights, US District Judge Robert Hinkle on Wednesday (June 21) struck down a Florida rule and statute that prohibited state Medicaid payments for transgender healthcare.

In a significant legal victory for transgender rights, US District Judge Robert Hinkle on Wednesday (June 21) struck down a Florida rule and statute that prohibited state Medicaid payments for transgender healthcare. This marks the second defeat in two weeks for anti-transgender legislation in Florida. What the judge said Judge Hinkle declared the state's practices invalid, stating that they violated the constitutional right to equal protection under the 14th Amendment, as well as the federal Medicaid statute and the Affordable Care Act's prohibition of sex discrimination. The ruling, as per Reuters, was not unexpected. Judge Hinkle had already issued a partial block on Florida's ban on gender-affirming care for individuals under 18 on June 6. Also read | 'Gender identity is real': Judge temporarily halts Florida law banning gender-affirming care for trans kids In his 54-page ruling, Judge Hinkle emphasised the reality of gender identity. He said that those who oppose transgender existence "tend to disapprove all things transgender and so oppose medical care that supports a person's transgender existence." He also noted that gender identity is a real aspect of a person's life. "The elephant in the room should be noted at the outset. Gender identity is real. The record makes this clear," he wrote in his ruling. Anti-trans laws and the United States Similar laws banning gender-affirming care have been blocked by district court judges in other states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, and Oklahoma. According to the Human Rights Campaign, Republican lawmakers have however introduced over 500 bills restricting LGBTQ rights during the past legislative year, with more than 70 of them passing into law. Also read | Also read | Elon Musk's tweet on #WhatIsAWoman fans Twitter buzz. Here's all you need to know So far, 20 states have enacted laws banning gender-affirming care for minors. The sponsors of these laws claim that they aim to protect children who may be misled by parents and doctors and later regret their gender transition. Who was behind the lawsuit? The plaintiffs in the case included two transgender adults, August Dekker and Brit Rothstein, as well as two transgender minors who filed under pseudonyms. On the opposing side was the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and its secretary, Jason Weida. What is Medicaid? Medicaid, as per the US Department of Health and Human Services, is a joint federal and state programme that helps cover medical costs for some people with limited income and resources. The AHCA had initially approved Medicaid payments for gender-affirming care, but in 2022, Governor Ron DeSantis ordered the agency to conduct a new analysis, which led to a reversal of the decision. Judge Henkin found that the subsequent process was biased and aimed at justifying a predetermined outcome, rather than conducting a fair analysis of the evidence. As per him, the AHCA "retained only consultants known in advance for their staunch opposition to gender-affirming care." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Federal judge upholds transgender rights, strikes down Florida's Medicaid ban on healthcare

In Florida, a federal judge has temporarily halted a portion of a recently enacted law that prohibits doctors from providing gender-affirming care to transgender children. Judge Robert Hinkle from the Federal District Court in Tallahassee made the ruling, allowing three transgender minors in the state to receive puberty blockers.&nbsp;

Hinkle, as per an AFP report, made this decision in response to a lawsuit filed by the parents of these individuals against state officials.

The lawsuit claims that 56 per cent of transgender youth have reported at least one previous suicide attempt, while 86 per cent reported they were still suicidal.

<h2>Federal Judge Robert Hinkle's ruling on gender-affirming care in Florida</h2>

Judge Hinkle emphasised the legitimacy of gender identity in his opinion, stating that "gender identity is real." He further pointed out that Florida's statute and regulations also prohibit these medically necessary treatments.

"Florida has adopted a statute and rules that prohibit these treatments even when medically appropriate."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musks-tweet-on-whatisawoman-fans-twitter-buzz-heres-all-you-need-to-know-600021">Elon Musk's tweet on #WhatIsAWoman fans Twitter buzz. Here's all you need to know</a>

However, Tuesday's ruling only applies to puberty blockers and does not impact other components of the law enacted by Florida's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, last month. The law includes the prohibition of gender reassignment surgery for minors and the restriction on public funding for the treatment of gender dysphoria.

<h2>What are puberty blockers?&nbsp;</h2>

Puberty blockers, also known as hormone suppressors, are utilised in teens exploring gender transition to delay the onset of unwanted physical changes like puberty.&nbsp;

Advocates of gender-affirming care argue that these treatments are effective for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria, a condition where one's gender identity does not align with their biological sex, causing distress.

The condition is recognised by the American Psychiatric Association, and it is known to cause anxiety, depression and self-harm.&nbsp;

<h2>Transgender rights and the US</h2>

The issue of transgender rights has increasingly become a contentious topic in US politics. As per AFP, around a dozen Republican-controlled states have implemented limitations and regulations similar to Florida.

Democrats argue that these actions encroach upon fundamental rights and express concern over the restrictive measures being imposed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/propaganda-vs-bullying-groups-of-parents-clash-at-anti-lgbtq-protest-outside-los-angeles-school-599920">'Propaganda' vs 'bullying': Groups of parents clash at anti-LGBTQ protest outside Los Angeles school</a>

As per a June 2022 report by Pew Research, roughly eight in 10 adults in the nation acknowledge that trans people witness some kind of discrimination. A majority favour laws protecting transgender individuals from discrimination in jobs, housing and public spaces.

However, the same report shows that 60 per cent of people believe that a person's gender is determined by their sex assigned at birth. In 2021, this number stood at 56 per cent, four years earlier, in 2017, at 54 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In Florida, a federal judge has temporarily halted a portion of a recently enacted law that prohibits doctors from providing gender-affirming care to transgender children.

In Florida, a federal judge has temporarily halted a portion of a recently enacted law that prohibits doctors from providing gender-affirming care to transgender children. Judge Robert Hinkle from the Federal District Court in Tallahassee made the ruling, allowing three transgender minors in the state to receive puberty blockers. Hinkle, as per an AFP report, made this decision in response to a lawsuit filed by the parents of these individuals against state officials. The lawsuit claims that 56 per cent of transgender youth have reported at least one previous suicide attempt, while 86 per cent reported they were still suicidal. Federal Judge Robert Hinkle's ruling on gender-affirming care in Florida Judge Hinkle emphasised the legitimacy of gender identity in his opinion, stating that "gender identity is real." He further pointed out that Florida's statute and regulations also prohibit these medically necessary treatments. "Florida has adopted a statute and rules that prohibit these treatments even when medically appropriate." Also read | Elon Musk's tweet on #WhatIsAWoman fans Twitter buzz. Here's all you need to know However, Tuesday's ruling only applies to puberty blockers and does not impact other components of the law enacted by Florida's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, last month. The law includes the prohibition of gender reassignment surgery for minors and the restriction on public funding for the treatment of gender dysphoria. What are puberty blockers? Puberty blockers, also known as hormone suppressors, are utilised in teens exploring gender transition to delay the onset of unwanted physical changes like puberty. Advocates of gender-affirming care argue that these treatments are effective for individuals experiencing gender dysphoria, a condition where one's gender identity does not align with their biological sex, causing distress. The condition is recognised by the American Psychiatric Association, and it is known to cause anxiety, depression and self-harm. Transgender rights and the US The issue of transgender rights has increasingly become a contentious topic in US politics. As per AFP, around a dozen Republican-controlled states have implemented limitations and regulations similar to Florida. Democrats argue that these actions encroach upon fundamental rights and express concern over the restrictive measures being imposed. Also read | 'Propaganda' vs 'bullying': Groups of parents clash at anti-LGBTQ protest outside Los Angeles school As per a June 2022 report by Pew Research, roughly eight in 10 adults in the nation acknowledge that trans people witness some kind of discrimination. A majority favour laws protecting transgender individuals from discrimination in jobs, housing and public spaces. However, the same report shows that 60 per cent of people believe that a person's gender is determined by their sex assigned at birth. In 2021, this number stood at 56 per cent, four years earlier, in 2017, at 54 per cent. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Gender identity is real': Judge temporarily halts Florida law banning gender-affirming care for trans kids

Gone are the days when conversations in the US centred around topics like murders, sexual assault, etc. These days, bathrooms, or more specifically bathrooms for transgender people, have become the topic of debate, and the latest state to join this debate is&nbsp;Kansas.

Overriding the state's governor Laura Kelly's veto, the state legislature on Thursday enacted what may be the nation's most sweeping transgender bathroom law.&nbsp;

With this law, Kansas has joined at least eight other states in preventing trans people from using bathrooms associated with their gender identities, as opposed to the gender assigned at birth. The state even went one step ahead, imposing restrictions on locker rooms, prisons, domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centres.

The Kansas law, according to a report in The Guardian, stands out from other states' laws by legally distinguishing between male and female based on the sex designated at birth. It states that "distinctions between the sexes" in bathrooms and other areas serve "the important governmental objectives" of protecting people's "health, safety and privacy."

However, it is still not clear how the new law will be enforced.

The recent legislation in Kansas defines "sex" as the biological gender one is assigned at birth, which can only be male or female. However, it does provide some exemptions for intersex individuals if their condition is recognised as a disability under US law. Additionally, the law establishes clear-cut definitions for males and females based on their reproductive anatomy.

The bathroom wars: How it all started 
 
 
Before Kansas, North Dakota enacted a law prohibiting transgender children and adults from using restrooms, locker rooms, or shower facilities in state-operated universities and correctional institutions.

North Carolina, in 2016, set the ball rolling by becoming the first US state to pass a bill barring transgender people from using bathrooms consistent with their gender identities.

Today, the following states have such laws: North Carolina, Idaho, Iowa, Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Kansas.

<h2>Why bathrooms?</h2>

The battle, as per Vox, began in Houston, Texas in 2014.&nbsp;

Back then, the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) was passed by the city council.

It aimed to prohibit discrimination against individuals based on several characteristics - notably sexual orientation and gender identity - in the workplace, housing, and public places such as restaurants, hotels, and other venues that cater to the public. This local ordinance was created to address a deficiency in the laws of Texas due to which LGBTQ people are typically not covered by state and federal anti-discrimination legislation.

Nevertheless, conservatives ended up utilising it as a means to an end.

<h2>What do conservatives have against HERO?</h2>

They argued that businesses should be allowed to discriminate against LGBTQ people who go against their religious values.

In 2015, after lengthy legal battles, they even managed to get a referendum on HERO. Results predicted that while 45 per cent of adults in Houston would vote for HERO, 36 per cent would vote against it; the remaining said they were unsure.

But in spite of this, ultimately, HERO got rejected.

<h2>How was HERO rejected?</h2>

Conservatives used fear-mongering tactics related to bathrooms to sway public opinion against the HERO law, which would have allowed transgender individuals to use bathrooms corresponding to the gender they identify with, rather than assigned at birth. They claimed that if the law passed, men would disguise themselves as transgender women to enter women's bathrooms and sexually assault them.&nbsp;

So, despite initially being popular in polls, the HERO law was rejected by voters in November due to the successful fear tactics employed by ceonservatives.

Since then, bathrooms have become the crude tool conservatives used&nbsp;to ban anti-discrimination measures in different states.

<h2>Would a law like HERO actually increase incidents of sexual assault?</h2>

In two separate investigations conducted some years ago, Media Matters confirmed with experts and officials in 12 states and 17 school districts with protections for trans people that they had seen no increases in sex crimes after they enacted anti-discrimination policies.

And while incidents of men sneaking into women's bathrooms have happened, they did not happen because of transgender protection laws.

In fact, in 2019, a team of researchers, including those from Harvard, found that "youth whose restroom/locker room use was restricted were more likely to experience sexual assault compared to those without restrictions."

As per research based on survey data of 3,700 American teens aged 13-17, around 36 per cent of transgender or gender-non-conforming students with restricted bathroom or locker room access reported being sexually assaulted in the 12 months period before the study.&nbsp;Among transgender boys, 26.5 per cent&nbsp;experienced sexual assault within the last year, while the percentage was 27.0&nbsp;per cent for nonbinary youth assigned female at birth. Among transgender girls, the percentage was 18.5 per cent, and for nonbinary youth assigned male at birth, it was 17.6 per cent.

Overall, the scenario around&nbsp;transgender bathroom access remains complex and highly contested and is likely to continue to evolve in the coming years as the debate over LGBTQ rights and discrimination continues.

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Gone are the days when conversations in the US centred around topics like murders, sexual assault, etc. These days, bathrooms, or more specifically bathrooms for transgender people, have become the topic of debate, and the latest state to join this debate is Kansas.

Gone are the days when conversations in the US centred around topics like murders, sexual assault, etc. These days, bathrooms, or more specifically bathrooms for transgender people, have become the topic of debate, and the latest state to join this debate is Kansas. Overriding the state's governor Laura Kelly's veto, the state legislature on Thursday enacted what may be the nation's most sweeping transgender bathroom law. With this law, Kansas has joined at least eight other states in preventing trans people from using bathrooms associated with their gender identities, as opposed to the gender assigned at birth. The state even went one step ahead, imposing restrictions on locker rooms, prisons, domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centres. The Kansas law, according to a report in The Guardian, stands out from other states' laws by legally distinguishing between male and female based on the sex designated at birth. It states that "distinctions between the sexes" in bathrooms and other areas serve "the important governmental objectives" of protecting people's "health, safety and privacy." However, it is still not clear how the new law will be enforced. The recent legislation in Kansas defines "sex" as the biological gender one is assigned at birth, which can only be male or female. However, it does provide some exemptions for intersex individuals if their condition is recognised as a disability under US law. Additionally, the law establishes clear-cut definitions for males and females based on their reproductive anatomy. The bathroom wars: How it all started Before Kansas, North Dakota enacted a law prohibiting transgender children and adults from using restrooms, locker rooms, or shower facilities in state-operated universities and correctional institutions. North Carolina, in 2016, set the ball rolling by becoming the first US state to pass a bill barring transgender people from using bathrooms consistent with their gender identities. Today, the following states have such laws: North Carolina, Idaho, Iowa, Alabama, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Kansas. Why bathrooms? The battle, as per Vox, began in Houston, Texas in 2014. Back then, the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) was passed by the city council. It aimed to prohibit discrimination against individuals based on several characteristics - notably sexual orientation and gender identity - in the workplace, housing, and public places such as restaurants, hotels, and other venues that cater to the public. This local ordinance was created to address a deficiency in the laws of Texas due to which LGBTQ people are typically not covered by state and federal anti-discrimination legislation. Nevertheless, conservatives ended up utilising it as a means to an end. What do conservatives have against HERO? They argued that businesses should be allowed to discriminate against LGBTQ people who go against their religious values. In 2015, after lengthy legal battles, they even managed to get a referendum on HERO. Results predicted that while 45 per cent of adults in Houston would vote for HERO, 36 per cent would vote against it; the remaining said they were unsure. But in spite of this, ultimately, HERO got rejected. How was HERO rejected? Conservatives used fear-mongering tactics related to bathrooms to sway public opinion against the HERO law, which would have allowed transgender individuals to use bathrooms corresponding to the gender they identify with, rather than assigned at birth. They claimed that if the law passed, men would disguise themselves as transgender women to enter women's bathrooms and sexually assault them. So, despite initially being popular in polls, the HERO law was rejected by voters in November due to the successful fear tactics employed by ceonservatives. Since then, bathrooms have become the crude tool conservatives used to ban anti-discrimination measures in different states. Would a law like HERO actually increase incidents of sexual assault? In two separate investigations conducted some years ago, Media Matters confirmed with experts and officials in 12 states and 17 school districts with protections for trans people that they had seen no increases in sex crimes after they enacted anti-discrimination policies. And while incidents of men sneaking into women's bathrooms have happened, they did not happen because of transgender protection laws. In fact, in 2019, a team of researchers, including those from Harvard, found that "youth whose restroom/locker room use was restricted were more likely to experience sexual assault compared to those without restrictions." As per research based on survey data of 3,700 American teens aged 13-17, around 36 per cent of transgender or gender-non-conforming students with restricted bathroom or locker room access reported being sexually assaulted in the 12 months period before the study. Among transgender boys, 26.5 per cent experienced sexual assault within the last year, while the percentage was 27.0 per cent for nonbinary youth assigned female at birth. Among transgender girls, the percentage was 18.5 per cent, and for nonbinary youth assigned male at birth, it was 17.6 per cent. Overall, the scenario around transgender bathroom access remains complex and highly contested and is likely to continue to evolve in the coming years as the debate over LGBTQ rights and discrimination continues. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: How bathrooms became the new battlefield for political war on gender

Irish actor and talk show host Graham Norton deactivated his Twitter account after British author JK Rowling criticised him for&nbsp;his recent comments about the transgender community and cancel culture. But, his fans and followers came out in his support and started trending 'I Stand With Graham Norton' hashtag.

While he got highly praised by netizens for putting forth "one of the most sensible takes on cancel culture",&nbsp;&nbsp;the 'Harry Potter'&nbsp;writer,&nbsp;who often clashes with trans activists on social media, slammed him publically on Twitter and accused him of&nbsp;supporting those behind rape and death threats.&nbsp;

According to Deadline, the row started after Norton was commended by singer-songwriter Billy Bragg for his position on trans rights made at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

Rowling said that Bragg was “supporting rape and death threats” by backing Norton, who appeared to have actually said very little to spark the controversy.

When questioned on Rowling’s position on trans rights, Norton had said, “When I’m asked about it, I become a part of it. My voice adds nothing to that discussion and I’m sort of embarrassed that I’m somehow drawn into it.

“If people want to shine a light on those issues then talk to trans people. Talk to the parents of trans kids, talk to doctors, talk to scientists. Talk to someone who can illuminate it in some way,” he added.

The comments were part of an answer to an initial question about ‘Monty Python’ star John Cleese, who often criticises what he sees as cancel culture.

Norton said so-called ‘cancel culture’ was another phrase for ‘accountability’ facing celebrities over their words.

However, while criticizing Bragg, Rowling wrote on Twitter,&nbsp;“Enjoying the recent spate of bearded men stepping confidently onto their soapboxes to define what a woman is and throw their support behind rape and death threats. You may mock, but takes real bravery to come out as an Old Testament prophet.”

Neither Norton nor Bragg had referenced rape or death threats in their statements and following Rowling’s tweet, Norton has since deleted his @grahnort account.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Irish actor and talk show host Graham Norton deactivated his Twitter account after British author JK Rowling criticised him for his recent comments about the transgender community and cancel culture.

Irish actor and talk show host Graham Norton deactivated his Twitter account after British author JK Rowling criticised him for his recent comments about the transgender community and cancel culture. But, his fans and followers came out in his support and started trending 'I Stand With Graham Norton' hashtag. While he got highly praised by netizens for putting forth "one of the most sensible takes on cancel culture", the 'Harry Potter' writer, who often clashes with trans activists on social media, slammed him publically on Twitter and accused him of supporting those behind rape and death threats. According to Deadline, the row started after Norton was commended by singer-songwriter Billy Bragg for his position on trans rights made at the Cheltenham Literature Festival. Rowling said that Bragg was “supporting rape and death threats” by backing Norton, who appeared to have actually said very little to spark the controversy. When questioned on Rowling’s position on trans rights, Norton had said, “When I’m asked about it, I become a part of it. My voice adds nothing to that discussion and I’m sort of embarrassed that I’m somehow drawn into it. “If people want to shine a light on those issues then talk to trans people. Talk to the parents of trans kids, talk to doctors, talk to scientists. Talk to someone who can illuminate it in some way,” he added. The comments were part of an answer to an initial question about ‘Monty Python’ star John Cleese, who often criticises what he sees as cancel culture. Norton said so-called ‘cancel culture’ was another phrase for ‘accountability’ facing celebrities over their words. However, while criticizing Bragg, Rowling wrote on Twitter, “Enjoying the recent spate of bearded men stepping confidently onto their soapboxes to define what a woman is and throw their support behind rape and death threats. You may mock, but takes real bravery to come out as an Old Testament prophet.” Neither Norton nor Bragg had referenced rape or death threats in their statements and following Rowling’s tweet, Norton has since deleted his @grahnort account. (With inputs from agencies)

Graham Norton quits Twitter after JK Rowling criticised his comments on trans rights

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