Missouri Rep. Vicky Hartzler said Wednesday her home state should sue the Obama administration over its guidance compelling schools to regulate bathrooms and locker rooms on the basis of gender identity.
The Republican congresswoman said the edict, which threatens to withhold federal funding from noncompliant schools, is the “definition of extreme overreach by the federal government.”
“This guidance not only misinterprets current laws, it undermines states and local school boards who best know how to run their schools and care for their children,” Ms. Hartzler said in a statement. “This guidance doesn’t reflect the will or values of Missourians and they shouldn’t have to stand by as their children are used as pawns in a political game.”
Ms. Hartzler called on Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster to join a group of 11 states that have filed a lawsuit against the Obama administration.
“As the elected defender of Missourians against such blatant overreach, the attorney general should bring legal action against the federal government to correct this wrong,” she said. “This issue is far too urgent and important. We need action now.”
President Obama issued the guidance last month, following a protracted battle in North Carolina over a law regulating public facilities on the basis of biological sex.
The U.S. Department of Justice sued North Carolina over the law, saying it violates Title IX and other federal civil rights laws barring “sex” discrimination.
• Bradford Richardson can be reached at brichardson@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.