An Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill With a Cruel New Twist

A new anti-trans bathroom bill has been passed in Kansas, and it's not just a simple bathroom ban - it includes a provision that allows private citizens to sue and seek monetary rewards for claiming to encounter a trans person in the bathroom. This means that trans people could be sued out of existence by simply reporting them to authorities or bystanders.

The law is part of a broader effort to restrict trans rights, including a separate bill that would invalidate government IDs issued to trans people unless their sex is listed as assigned at birth. Trans Kansans are being forced to choose between carrying identification with their correct gender identity and risking harassment and violence in public, or forgoing aspects of public life entirely.

The aim of the law, according to Republican lawmakers, is to produce a climate of distrust and terror among trans people. It's not just a local issue - 20 states already have laws banning trans people from using restrooms aligned with their gender identity, and there are many more in the pipeline.

This new development highlights the escalating attacks on trans rights nationwide. In recent years, far-right Republicans have pushed anti-trans legislation through statehouses, often citing concerns about cis women's safety as a pretext for the laws.

Democratic leaders have been criticized for failing to support trans people during this time, with some even going so far as to endorse anti-trans legislation in states where they hold power.

The Intercept is committed to covering this story and pushing back against these attacks on trans rights. We need your help to keep doing that - will you join us?

This new law in Kansas is like a reflection of our inner demons, isn't it? It's how we treat others when we're feeling insecure or threatened. If we're not careful, we can become the monsters we fear. The fact that trans people are being forced to choose between their identity and public safety is a harsh reminder that true acceptance comes from within.

It's also a stark example of how our own biases can be used against us. We often talk about personal freedoms, but what happens when those freedoms start to affect others? It's time for us to recognize that we're all in this together. Can we really say we're living in a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect?

We need to ask ourselves: What would it take for someone to report another person to authorities simply because of who they are? Is it really about safety, or is it about our own fear of the unknown? The more we reflect on this, the more we can work towards creating a world where everyone feels welcome and safe.

it's like they're trying to make a whole bathroom unuseable for some ppl just because of who they are gotta stop these kinda laws before they ruin peoples lives completely can't believe democrats aren't standing up more for trans rights 20 states already have these kinds of laws? that's wild what's next?

man this law is just another reminder of how far we've fallen like what's next, banning people from using the same public spaces as everyone else because they're 'different'? it feels like we're living in some kind of 90s-2000s sci-fi movie where trans people are still fighting for basic human rights. remember when bush was president and we were all like "we're not going to torture anyone anymore"? now it seems like we've regressed a whole lot further

omg, this is like totally insane ! can't believe how far the hate has spread in usa already have 20 states restricting trans ppl from using their own bathrooms and now kansas is taking it up a notch by adding a sue-and-win provision for cis ppl who claim to encounter trans people in bathrooms... that's just cruel . how are we supposed to educate ppl about trans issues when they're being harassed and sued out of existence? have to wonder if the republican party is actually listening to any of their constituents or just catering to their far-right base

This new bill in Kansas is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the escalating attacks on trans rights nationwide . I mean, can you believe that private citizens could sue and get monetary rewards for reporting a trans person in a bathroom?! It's like they're trying to make life impossible for trans people. And don't even get me started on the part about invalidating government IDs - it's like they want them to choose between being themselves or living in fear of harassment and violence.

I think what really gets my goat is that Republican lawmakers are trying to create a climate of distrust and terror among trans people, using cis women's safety as an excuse. It's so unfair and misguided . And on the Democratic side, it's just as disappointing - they're supposed to be fighting for equality, but instead they're either too afraid or too complicit.

We need more voices like The Intercept speaking out against this nonsense . We need people who are willing to call out these attacks on trans rights and support our communities. Let's keep pushing back together!

I'm literally shakin my head over this . Like, how can people think it's okay to make life even harder for a community already fightin' for their basic human rights? This law is not just hurtful, it's actively tryin' to silence trans people and drive 'em into the shadows. And don't even get me started on the part where they're sittin' there waitin' for someone to report a trans person in the bathroom so they can sue 'em out of existence... it's like nothin' but a game to them. Can we PLEASE just support each other and stand up against this kind of hate?

Ugh I just found out about this new law in Kansas and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it... Like, who gives private citizens the power to sue someone for existing? It's like something out of a bad sci-fi movie. And can we talk about how messed up it is that trans people are being forced to choose between their own identity and being safe in public? I mean, what kind of society do we live in where we have to resort to this kinda stuff? It's not just the law itself, it's the fact that there are already 20 states with similar laws and more on the way. We need to stand up against this kinda hate and support trans people instead. Can we do better than this, USA?

man... this is just so sad its like we're right back in the 90s with those crazy bathroom laws for trans ppl in nc remember that one? anyway, i think its wild that they're trying to make it so hard for trans kansans to live their lives without being constantly harassed or sued out of existence its not just about trans ppl either, its about how our society is treating ppl who are just trying to exist and be themselves unfortunately, i feel like we've seen this before... like with the whole 'don't ask don't tell' thing back in the day it's like, come on, ppl we get it, its not easy, but at least try to make it a little less hard for us to live our lives

This new law is a total disaster , it's like something out of a bad sci-fi movie where people think they can just sue someone for being themselves. I mean, come on, how are trans people supposed to live their lives without feeling safe in public restrooms? It's not just about bathroom rights, it's about basic human dignity and respect . And to make matters worse, there are already 20 states with similar laws, so this is definitely a national problem that needs to be addressed ASAP .

I'm like totally confused about this new law... isn't it kinda weird that people would sue someone for just existing in a bathroom stall? Like, can't they just chill? And what's up with the whole ID thing? Can't trans people just have their own IDs without having to choose between that and being safe? It seems like such an easy way to create drama and fear. I've been reading about this stuff online and it's really sad to see how many states are passing these laws... 20?! That's like, a whole lot of people who don't get to live their lives without being harassed or scared all the time.

I'm so worried about the lives of trans people in Kansas and everywhere else. This law is like, totally un fair! You can just imagine how scared they must be walking into public bathrooms or getting ID cards with their real name on them. It's like, what even is the point of having laws that allow people to sue each other over bathroom usage? Can't we all just get along and respect each other's identities?

I'm also kinda disappointed in some Democrats for not supporting trans rights more. I know they might've been in power before and didn't want to rock the boat, but now is the time to stand up for equality! If you're a Democrat reading this, can you please make sure to support your LGBTQ+ constituents? We need all hands on deck to fight against laws like this.