Boys can now wear skirts to school in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico’s Education Minister has announced changes to a school uniform code that lets boys wear skirts.
Minister Rafael Roman confirmed changes today that are intended to make the US territory’s strict uniform policy more LGBT-inclusive and less restrictive.
The Puerto Rico Department of Education requires all students to wear school uniforms – only providing exemptions for students on medical grounds.
However, under new rules, students of any gender can choose to wear either a skirt or trousers to school – regardless of gender, and without risk of punishment.
According to Associated Press, he said the new regulation is meant to be more inclusive of gay, lesbian and transgender students.
However, it applies to all students, not just those who identify as LGBT – and bans teachers from disciplining girls for wearing trousers or boys for wearing skirts.
Same-sex marriage came to the US territory this year, after the US Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is a constitutional right.
A subsequent court order brought weddings into effect in mid-July, with the first weddings on July 17.
