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Heated debate in Helena as committee considers HB 400, a 'Free to Speak' bill on pronouns
Summary
HB 400 would prohibit punishment for declining to use a person's preferred pronouns and create a private right of action; supporters call it protection from compelled speech, while opponents — including school administrators, teachers and advocacy groups — say it would legalize harassment and restrict schools' ability to address bullying.
House Bill 400 generated an extended and often contentious hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Representative Braxton Mitchell described the bill as a First Amendment protection preventing schools and state employers from compelling employees or students to use names or pronouns they do not accept.
Supporters — including student activists, Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys and some former students who said they faced…
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