Indecent exposure legislation criticized by opponents as 'bathroom bill' passes Tennessee House

Legislation opposed by critics who say it could be interpreted as a "bathroom bill" targeting the transgender community has passed in the House of Representatives — though Republicans maintain it only criminalizes public sex acts.

House Bill 1151, sponsored by Rep. John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, clarifies what constitutes a "public place" in the law prohibiting indecent exposure and includes restrooms, locker rooms, dressing rooms and showers "designated for multi-person, single-sex use."

The legislation passed 69 to 25.

"This bill, literally, for purposes of our criminal law, bans acts of sexual intercourse in a public bathroom," Lamberth said after debate by Democrats who opposed the bill. "Now, if you're not against that, what in the world are you doing down here?"

Read more: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2019/04/08/tennessee-bathroom-bill-indecent-exposure-transgender-community/3406211002/