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A bill (SB-1674) that would require people to use the restroom that matches their gender at birth in Florida schools and other public facilities has passed through the Senate Rules Committee.
"Queer people have always been here and we will keep on being here. You can't erase us."
Opponents say there are already laws to protect the public from physical harm, but a representative of the Christian Family Coalition said there is nothing wrong with being proactive.
"Why expose women to the greater risk in the first place? Let's protect women before it happens, by passing this bill."
While supporters of the legislation say it's all about protecting people from assault by members of the opposite sex, opponents like Abdelilah Skhir with the ACLU of Florida, call it "mean-spirited."
The bill's sponsor, Vero Beach Republican Erin Grall, admitted that there are some likely changes coming to it before it hits the next committee, with regards to implementation. Opponents spoke of ambiguity.
A House version has also passed one committee.