NASHVILLE – Tennessee businesses risk being charged with misdemeanor crimes punishable by fines and even jail if they ignore a new state “bathroom” law involving access for transgender patrons.
The law requires posting of warning signs outside public, multi-person restrooms that are officially designated for men or women but formally or informally allow “either biological sex” – defined as gender at birth – to use them.
The law goes into effect July 1 and has already made national news over the sign requirement.
The criminal penalty provision in House Bill 1182/Senate Bill 1224, which Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed into law last week, is not made explicit in the legislation. But Rep. Tim Rudd, R-Murfreesboro, the House sponsor, confirmed to the Times Free Press that the law carries criminal penalties.
Rudd said that was accomplished by adding into the bill a new section to Tennessee Code’s existing Title 68-120 provisions that outline penalties for violations of state construction, fire, health and other codes.