Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon on Monday signed a bill into law that lets people sue the state government if they encounter a biologically born male in a female-designated bathroom or changing room in a public facility, and vice versa.
House Bill 72, which takes effect July 1, says multi-occupancy changing, bathroom and sleeping quarters in public facilities shall be designated for either males or females. No one of the opposite sex can enter those areas, except for things like janitorial cleaning, situations involving medical aid, the fulfillment of official duties, natural disasters and sports team meetings.
A person who encounters a transgender person or someone of the opposite sex in those quarters can sue the governmental entity overseeing them, if the entity failed to “take reasonable steps” to stop that from happening.
People can also sue prisons under the law, if required to share sleeping quarters with someone of the opposite sex.
Those suing can recover damages, attorney fees and costs from the government.
The law doesn’t apply to K-12 schools, but it does apply to the University of Wyoming and the state’s community colleges.
Gordon, who signed the bill into law Monday without venturing specific statements on it, declined to comment Wednesday via his spokesman.
Clair McFarland can be reached at clair@cowboystatedaily.com.
