Is Oklahoma's bill banning trans students from using bathrooms that don't match their sex to blame for the death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict?
The victim's mother, Sue Benedict, said that their beloved kid was bullied for being transgender. She said that they would encourage Nex (pronouns they/them) to rise above bullies. However, Sue didn't know that bullying would to Nex's eventual death. Now, their death has drawn national attention, with most concerns focusing on the violent act caused by transphobia.
Nex Benedict's Death
According to Independent UK's latest report, Nex Benedict began experiencing bullying in 2023, around a few months after Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt approved the bill banning trans students from using bathrooms that don't match their sex.
On Feb. 7, the actions of the students bullying Nex became more violent as they brutally beat the trans teenager in a bathroom at Owasso High School.
The Owasso Police Department stated that Nex suffered severe head injuries during a "physical altercation." A day after the bullying incident, Nex was pronounced dead, as confirmed by law enforcement officials.
"On February 8th, 2024, the Owasso Police Department was made aware that the juvenile was rushed back to a hospital, where the student was pronounced dead," said Owasso Police Department Chief Dan Yancey.
Nex's death ignited a debate regarding the safety of trans and non-binary students in schools. Now, numerous LGBTQ advocay groups and organizations are blaming lawmakers for implementing legislations targeting LGBTQ members.
Oklahoma's Bill Bans Trans Students From Bathrooms
One of the LGBTQ advocacy groups criticizing Oklahoman lawmakers is Freedom Oklahoma. The organization said that lawmakers should be blamed for Nex Benedict's death since they promote "bigotry" and intolerance towards trans and non-binary students.
Aside from Freedom Oklahoma, the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) also released a joint statement about Nex's death.
"The assault on Nex is an inevitable result of the hateful rhetoric and discriminatory legislation targeting Oklahoma trans youth," said the union.
The LGBTQ advocacy group stated that it is challenging Oklahoma's law that requires schools to "discriminate against students like Nex."
"We believe every student should have the safe and affirming environment they need to thrive, and policies that put transgender students in danger make schools less safe places for all students," added the ACLU.
