MONTPELIER, Vt. — The state of Vermont is poised to require that all single-occupancy restrooms in public buildings be marked as gender-neutral.

The bill that Republican Gov. Phil Scott is expected to sign Friday is the most recent development in the national debate over whether transgender individuals should be required to use the bathroom that corresponds to the gender on their birth certificate.

Rex Butt, director of the Pride Center of Vermont, said the legislation would help trans individuals feel safer in public restrooms.

The bill passed with a large majority in the House and unanimous support in the Senate. The few no votes came from lawmakers who wanted an exemption for religious buildings.