Zephyr, Montana’s first openly trans lawmaker, later called the measure a “distraction from the work we were elected to do” and thanked colleagues who voted against it.

A measure to bar Montana Rep. Zooey Zephyr, the state’s first transgender legislator, from using the women’s restroom at the state capitol failed to pass the House rules committee Tuesday, with several Republicans voting against it.

Some Republicans joined Democrats in rejecting the measure, which would have restricted bathroom access. Rep. Zooey Zephyr, Montana's first openly transgender legislator, won a second term last month.