RESPECT

SC Gov. Dismisses Trans Bathroom Bill

Says anti-LGBT measure is “not necessary” in her state.

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley on Thursday dismissed a proposed law to designate transgender people to bathrooms by birth gender, adding that her office had not received any complaints about the issue. “I don’t believe it’s necessary,” the Republican said. “Like it or not, South Carolina is doing really well when it comes to respect and when it comes to kindness and when it comes to acceptance.” A Senate hearing on the proposal is set for next week. Haley’s comments come after several states have passed or are considering laws to invalidate protections for LGBT people. North Carolina recently enacted a measure banning local laws that protect employment and housing rights based on sexual orientation, while Mississippi now allows businesses to refuse service to customers based on the owner’s religious beliefs.