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With Minnesota Governor Tim Walz recently selected as Kamala Harris’ running mate for the 2024 presidential election, his previous legislative actions, including the Tampon Bill he signed as governor, have come under increased scrutiny. This has sparked widespread curiosity about what is the Tampon Bill and the reasons behind its controversy.
Here is everything to know about Tim Walz’s tampon bill in Minnesota along with its controversy.
Tim Walz’s tampon bill in Minnesota explained
Tim Walz’s Tampon Bill mandates that all public schools in Minnesota provide free menstrual products in both boys’ and girls’ restrooms. Starting January 1, 2024, schools serving grades 4 through 12 are required to stock pads and tampons, with funding allocated based on “$2 times the adjusted pupil units of the school district for the school year.” (via Patch)
The bill’s broad language, which ensures menstrual products are available to all students regardless of gender, has sparked debate. Walz has been a long-time advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality. He signed this bill as part of his broader efforts to support marginalized communities.
Why is the Tampon Bill controversial?
The Tampon Bill stirred controversy due to its broadly inclusive language. The law mandates that schools provide menstrual products, such as pads and tampons, in restrooms regularly used by students in grades 4 to 12. Some Republican state lawmakers in Minnesota sought to amend the bill so that these products would only be available in “female restrooms,” but their attempt failed. Despite this, some Republicans still voted for the final version of the bill.
The controversy intensified when the Trump campaign used the bill to criticize Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The campaign attacked Walz for signing the bill, framing it as part of a broader agenda supporting transgender rights. Karoline Leavitt, a spokeswoman for the Trump campaign, argued recently that such policies, including providing menstrual products in restrooms for all students, pose a “threat to women’s health.” She described these measures as “radical” and criticized Walz for endorsing them.
Leavitt said, “As a woman, I think there is no greater threat to our health than leaders who support gender-transition surgeries for young minors, who support putting tampons in men’s bathrooms in public schools.” (via The New York Times)
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