http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=115011AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- People who want to address the commission about transgender students' rights in school will have an opportunity to speak out. That's what commissioners decided Monday.
The Maine Human Rights Commission drafted guidance to interpret the section of the Maine Human Rights Act dealing with sexual orientation in schools. The draft of that guidance states that transgender students must be allowed to use the bathroom that corresponds with the gender that they identify themselves as. That means that a biological boy who identifies as a girl would be able to use the girls' bathroom. Those students would also be allowed to play on the sports teams of their gender identity and be provided with locker rooms that meet their needs. The commission met with educators and advocacy groups when drafting the guidance.
Monday's work session was packed with supporters and opponents of the draft. While there was no public comment allowed, the commissioners decided that more public input was needed before they could make a decision.
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