Watch: Bathroom Bill Causing Controversy in SC

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — A bill that’s gained national attention is now causing controversy in South Carolina.

The bill, introduced by Senator Lee Bright, would require transgender individuals to use the gender bathroom specified on their birth certificate.

The proposed law is receiving varied reviews from South Carolina residents.

Caroll Cooper says, “It wouldn’t bother me personally but I can understand some people being bothered by it.”

On Wednesday, the upstate lawmaker said he was taking a “stand for decency and common sense” introducing the bill that mirrors a law recently passed in North Carolina.

Governor Nikki Haley says the bill is unnecessary as the issue is not a problem in the palmetto state.

According to the South Carolina Governor, “While other states are having this battle this is not a battle that we have seen as needed in South Carolina and it’s not something that we see the citizens are asking for in South Carolina.”

South Carolina Equality’s Jennifer Tague agrees with the governor saying the bill sends the wrong message to the transgender community.

Tague tells ABC Columbia, “That they are not equal, that they are not valued. I mean we’ve never had any problems in the state before with bathrooms, never, so why is this an issue.”

However, for some South Carolinians it’s an issue of anatomy.

One resident explains, “I feel like if they have the female body parts in that case I guess they’re female but as far as being a male and actually coming in the restroom I wouldn’t agree with that.”

A hearing has been set to review the bill.