Two bills aimed at eliminating obstacles facing transgender people cleared the Assembly largely along party lines Thursday, including one measure to let students choose the bathroom and sports team that correlates with their gender identity.

AB 1266 passed 45-24, with Republicans voicing opposition.

Republican Curt Hagman of Chino Hills said Ammiano’s bill is not practical, particularly when it comes to middle and high school students changing and showering in a locker room.

Several Democrats spoke in support of Ammiano’s bill, including Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, who said one of his staff members “has transitioned.”

“When he entered the building, he was Heather,” Ting said. “This courageous person is a part of a courageous community. … We have to do everything possible to make sure we are supportive of that and support their courage,” he added.

Read Full Story Here