House Bill 72, signed into law by Gov. Mark Gordon, prohibits trans people from using the restrooms and other communal spaces that match their gender identity in buildings owned by the state.
The new law will go into effect on July 1, but governmental entities could choose to begin complying with the law sooner, if they wish.
This law designates multi-occupancy restrooms, changing areas, and sleeping quarters at Wyoming public facilities as single sex. Once a restroom or other communal space has been designated for either “male” or “female” use, the law states that it can only be used by members of that sex determined at birth – meaning trans people can’t use the spaces that match their gender identity.
While the new law denies transgender people the ability to use these facilities in a manner that aligns with their gender identity, it doesn’t expose members of the trans community to either civil or criminal liability. It’s up to the government body operating the facility to enforce the law. If they don’t, they could face civil liabilities.
Laws from legislation like House Bill 72 target transgender people and are motivated by ignorance, misinformation, and fear and create uncertainty about what behaviors are prohibited and what the consequences of any violations may be.
Transgender people, like everyone else, need to use restrooms and public facilities as they go about their daily lives. So how can you protect yourself when using a restroom in public facilities?
Ultimately, using a restroom in a public place, particularly as a trans person, requires decisions that are influenced by an array of circumstances that vary from person to person, location to location, and day to day. Here are some tips to help inform those decisions and keep you safe.
- Use the restroom with purpose: go to the toilet or sink you need, use it as needed, wash and dry your hands, and leave.
- If someone confronts you, claiming that you are in the wrong bathroom, relay that you will be done momentarily or that you will leave as soon as you finish, and avoid further confrontation.
- If someone threatens violence against you, leave as immediately as you can.
- If asked to leave by an individual or official, leave as immediately as you can. Do not answer any questions. When you are somewhere safe, write down what happened.
What to Do If You Are Impacted by House Bill 72
If you are being impacted by House Bill 72, the ACLU of Wyoming wants to hear about it. Please get in touch. When completing the form please include as much information as possible, including the best way to contact you, your demographic information, your profession and employer, the frequency with which you access impacted spaces, and any additional details about how House Bill 72 will impact you.
