California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined 17 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief with the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, advocating for the rights of transgender students in the case of Bridge v. Oklahoma State Department of Education. This legal action challenges Oklahoma’s Senate Bill 615 (SB 615), which prohibits transgender students from using sex-separated school facilities that align with their gender identity. The Western District of Oklahoma previously dismissed the case, prompting an appeal to the Tenth Circuit by three transgender students.
In the amicus brief, the coalition argues that SB 615 violates Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause and highlights the severe harm caused by discrimination based on gender identity.
"Legislation barring transgender students from accessing school facilities consistent with their gender identity is discriminatory, unlawful, and deeply appalling," said Attorney General Bonta. "We urge the Tenth Circuit to reverse the district court’s ruling to ensure the rights and well-being of our most vulnerable student populations are upheld."
SB 615 is part of a broader trend of legislation across the U.S. targeting transgender children. Over 1.6 million people in the United States identify as transgender, including approximately 300,000 youth between ages 13 and 17. Transgender youth experience higher levels of discrimination, violence, and harassment compared to their cisgender peers.
The coalition's brief supports blocking SB 615 enforcement by arguing that it:
- Violates the Equal Protection Clause by stigmatizing transgender students.
- Violates Title IX by denying equal access to common school facilities.
- Ignores benefits produced by inclusive laws without compromising privacy or safety.
Attorney General Bonta was joined in filing the amicus brief by attorneys general from New York, Washington, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia.
A copy of the amicus brief is available here.