The battle over transgender rights has flared at the State Capitol as a group of Republican legislators unveiled a proposal Wednesday that would require people to use bathrooms and changing rooms that match their "biological sex."

Gov. Mark Dayton on Wednesday decried the legislation, saying that he was "appalled" and that he would veto it if it were to reach his desk. "This is about pandering to their extreme issue," Dayton said. He added: "They just keep bashing people for their own political advantage. ... They're wrong on the issue, and they're wrong on the morality."

(Rep., R-Glencoe) Gruenhagen said the legislation was prompted by a complaint from a female constituent in his district who he said works in the Twin Cities. The third-term Republican said his constituent felt uncomfortable after a transgender co-worker began using the women's restroom at their workplace.

Monica Meyer, executive director of OutFront Minnesota - an advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals that opposes the legislation - criticized the rhetoric by GOP legislators, saying it "creates a hostile climate in our state." She added: "Elected officials should be looking at policies that improve our state for all people."

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