
in the State Senate on April 18th, 2018 by a vote of
30-0
.
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Analysis: The “bathroom bill” caters to people who do not identify with their birth-sex and feel uncomfortable using public restrooms that have gender-specific signage, such as “Men’s”, “Women’s”, or silhouettes or other pictures depicting specific genders. The bill, therefore, makes it illegal for any public building or “place of public accommodation,” such as a restaurant or service station, to label single-use restrooms with gender-specific signage. “The Commissioner of Public Safety may inspect for compliance….”
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Those voting YES believe this is “no big deal,” and helps to make Vermont more welcoming to a broader range of people.
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Those opposed to the bill believe this is an example of government overreach; that is not the role of government to micromanage businesses in regard to how they must and must not label bathrooms provided for their customers’ use. Subjecting Vermont businesses to inspections, fines for non-compliance, and potential legal jeopardy with laws like this (as well as the cost and time associated with replacing current signs) furthers Vermont’s reputation as unfriendly to business. And, that this was a “solution is search of a problem” as nobody was being refused use of public restroom.
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Senate Journal, Wednesday, April 18th, 2018. “Was read the third time and passed in concurrence with proposal of amendment on a roll call, Yeas 30, Nays 0..” (Read the Journal, p. 728)
How They Voted
(Click on Your Senator’s Name to Send an Email)
Timothy Ashe (D/P-Chittenden) – YES
Claire Ayer (D-Addison) – YES
Becca Balint (D-Windham) – YES
Philip Baruth (D-Chittenden) – YES
Joseph Benning (R-Caledonia) – YES
Carolyn Branagan (R-Franklin) – YES
Christopher Bray (D-Addison) – YES
Randy Brock (R-Franklin) – YES
Francis Brooks (D-Washington) – YES
Brian Campion (D-Bennington) – YES
Alison Clarkson (D-Windsor) – YES
Brian Collamore (R-Rutland) – YES
Ann Cummings (D-Washington) – YES
Margaret Flory (R-Rutland) – YES
Debbie Ingram (D-Chittendent) – YES
M. Jane Kitchel (D-Caledonia) – YES
Virginia Lyons (D-Chittenden) – YES
Mark MacDonald (D-Orange) – YES
Richard Mazza (D-Chittenden-Grand Isle) – YES
Richard McCormack (D-Windsor) – YES
Alice Nitka (D-Windsor District) – YES
Chris Pearson (P-Chittenden) – YES
Anthony Pollina (P/D/W-Washington) – YES
John Rodgers (D-Essex-Orleans) – YES
Richard Sears (D-Bennington) – YES
Michael Sirotkin (D-Chittenden) – YES
David Soucy (R-Rutland) – YES
Robert Starr (D-Essex-Orleans) – YES
Richard Westman (R-Lamoille) – YES
Jeanette White (D-Windham) – YES
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