Donald Trump and his administration lifted the federal protections for transgender students affected by the transgender bathroom bill on Wednesday. Despite this, it is believed he and his administration will change some guidelines of the bill.
When President Barack Obama issued the banning of the implementation of the transgender bathroom bill in states that approved such, transgender students were allowed to use bathrooms and lockers rooms that they were comfortable with and not in conformity with what was written on their birth certificates. With the federal protections being lifted, states can now implement their laws the way they want it.
"This is an issue best solved at the state and local level. Schools, communities and families can find -- and in many cases have found -- solutions that protect all students," Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said in a statement regarding the lifting of the federal protection. The Justice and Education departments also released letters to schools all over the United States saying it is possible there will be changes in the guidelines under transgender bathroom laws as the earlier version had a lot of questionable provisions, Chicago Tribune reported.
White House spokesman Sean Spicer also said in a statement the president made it clear during his campaign he believes firmly in the rights of states but issues such as the transgender bathroom laws are best dealt with by the national government, The Washington Post reported. There are no details about the changes poised to be made by the president and his administration but he also clarified during his campaign he supports the LGBT community.
LGBT rights proponents contend allowing transgender people to use their preferred restrooms and locker rooms is essential to the health and psychological well-being of the concerned person. The opposition, however, claims the transgender bathroom laws will help protect women from attacks from men posing as transgender.
