Governor Reeves Signs Law Restricting Transgender Bathroom Access

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves has signed a new law regulating transgender individuals’ use of public education building facilities, making Mississippi the 12th state to impose restrictions on transgender students using facilities that align with their gender identity.

Reeves criticized a federal regulation banning blanket policies that prohibit transgender students from using gender-aligned facilities and is part of a legal challenge by Republican attorneys general.

“It’s unbelievable that we have to pass laws to protect women’s spaces in Joe Biden’s America,” Reeves wrote on social media. The new law requires public education institutions to provide single-sex facilities and at least one gender-neutral option.

Individuals are mandated to use facilities according to their sex assigned at birth, regardless of any gender-affirming procedures. Violators could face legal action, while institutions would be protected from liability.

The law defines sex based on biological observation or clinical verification at birth, disregarding subjective experiences or feelings. Democrats expressed concerns for transgender individuals’ safety and criticized the focus on this issue amid other legislative priorities.

Reeves previously signed bills banning transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports and prohibiting gender-transitioning treatments for minors. Similar bills are being considered in various states as Republicans aim to limit transgender individuals’ access to certain rights and services.