OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane, on Monday secured passage in the House of House Bill 3022, which would require every restroom, changing room and sleeping quarters within a state correctional facility to be used by only members of one sex.

"This bill protects and provides safety for women in our correctional facilities," Humphrey said. "It makes sure that only women go to women's correctional facilities and men go to men's correctional facilities."

Humphrey was questioned about individuals who identify as transgender or intersex. He responded that the definition of male and female are defined in state statute as well as in the language of this bill.

Humphrey, who serves as the chair of the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee, said the purpose of the bill is to try to reduce the incidences of rape in state prisons. He said he is contacted daily by current inmates who have been raped, as well as by individuals who have a loved one that has been so abused.

The bill provides injunctive relief against the Department of Corrections if it is deemed the department knowingly permitted or failed to prohibit entry by someone of the opposite sex into such quarters.

The bill passed the House on a partisan vote of 77-18. It now moves the Senate where it is authored by Sen. Jessica Garvin, R-Duncan.