GOP lawmaker files bill to counter Obama’s bathroom directive

A GOP lawmaker has filed legislation to wrest control away from the Obama administration on the escalating issue of transgender bathroom use in schools. 

Rep. Luke Messer (R-Ind.) filed a bill on Wednesday that protects the authority of state and local governments to set school policy on bathrooms, undermining a recent decree by the departments of Justice and Education. 

The administration’s guidance, issued last week, tells public schools to allow transgender students to use the bathrooms that match their gender identities.

{mosads}Under the directive, schools that fail to comply could face lawsuits or loss of federal aid for breaching Title IX requirements.

Messer introduced the PUBLIC School Act, which gives state and local governments the power to “enact and enforce policies regarding the use of sex-segregated bathrooms and sex-segregated locker rooms of educational institutions on the basis of gender identity.”

It also ensures schools that they will not face federal penalties because of their bathroom policies.

“Everyone on both sides of this debate should be treated with respect,” Messer said in a statement. “And, through public discourse, I believe we can come to a solution that protects the privacy and dignity of everyone involved.”

“But, it’s irresponsible for the Obama Administration to begin this social experiment in the bathrooms of our nation’s elementary schools,” he continued. “Decisions of this magnitude should be made at the state and local level by people who will put the interest of our kids ahead of political ideology.” 

The Obama administration faced backlash from conservatives after it announced the directive last week. Obama defended it earlier this week.

“I think it is part of our obligation as a society to make sure everyone is treated fairly and our kids are all loved and that they’re protected and that their dignity is affirmed,” he said.