Children should not be going into a bathroom alone to begin with.I have nephews and I make sure my husband goes with them to the restroom. Yes,predators are everywhere.
The real issue seems to be parental responsibility, it seems. If there are predators everywhere, parents should ensure they are protecting their children no matter what the bathroom laws are.
The issue is allowing men into womens restrooms.
That is not the overarching issue, no. The issue is that people need to be able to use the bathroom in a way that maintains both their safety and their privacy. I’m not specifying any particular sex or gender on that, because I think this issue applies to all people. All people, including those who are transgender.
Sexual assault is a serious issue. I recognize that. However, I am unconvinced that allowing transgender people bathroom access will impact the levels of sexual assault that happens. Instead of news stories (which tend to be unreliable and heavily biased), I’d like to see the actual facts on the matter. Is there truly a correlation between allowing access for transgender individuals and sexual predation? Does correlation equal causation in this case?
The people who actually deal with sexual assault and violence do not seem to think so:
‘A coalition of over 200 national, state and local organizations across the U.S. that work with sexual assault and domestic violence survivors are objecting to the justifications given by lawmakers to forbid transgender people from using the bathroom of their choosing.
These organizations asked for “support of full and equal access for the transgender community," according to a statement on Thursday by a coalition under the advocacy group National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women.’
Also, I think it is important to look at states that already have measures in place to prevent discrimination of this kind:
‘Media Matters conducted interviews with heads of state police departments and civil and human rights organizations from 12 states that have non-discrimination laws that protect transgender people in public accommodations settings. Not one of the participants indicated any increase in sexual harassment or abuse as a result of passing the non-discrimination laws.
For example, Minnesota amended its Human Rights Act to prohibit discrimination against transgender people in employment, housing, and public accommodations in 1993. Minneapolis police spokesman John Elder told Media Matters in an interview that sexual harassment and assault as a result of the transgender non-discrimination law have not been “even remotely” a problem.’
And now let’s have a brief aside to look at how this issue impacts those who are transgender:
Mental and Physical Wellbeing
‘68% of respondents reported experiencing negative emotional symptoms, such as feeling emotionally sad, upset, or frustrated as a result of how they were treated based on their gender identity or gender expression within the past 30 days.’
‘Public accommodations discrimination in the past 12 months was also significantly associated with past-week depression.’
‘discrimination in public accommodations was also significantly associated with several negative health care utilization behaviors, including postponing needed medical care when sick or injured, postponing routine preventive care, and postponing care that resulted in having a medical emergency that required going to the emergency room or urgent care.’
‘in a survey of transgender and gender nonconforming people living in Washington, DC, 70% of survey respondents reported being harassed, assaulted, or denied access to public restrooms.’
‘Of the respondents who went to school in Washington, DC, 10% reported negative consequences such as excessive absence and dropping out because of issues related to bathroom access.’
'Of the respondents who worked in Washington, DC, 27% experienced being verbally harassed or denied access to the restrooms at their place of employment. These problems contributed to poor job performance, excessive absence, and excessive tardiness in some participants, and even caused some to quit or change jobs.’
‘the study showed that 58% of respondents reported avoiding going out in public because of concerns that they had regarding safety in the public restrooms.’
[‘State anti-transgender bathroom bills threaten transgender people’s health and participation in public life’ The Fenway Institute]
I don't believe in transgender. Not in the least. And I actually have a close friend who is doing this right now. I love him like a brother but I disagree with his lifestyle and I don't intend to call him "her" or another name.
If a trans individual comes here I would tell them God loves them, and so do I. As I said, I have a close friend,who served at my wedding and I love dearly, doing this right now. I would tell them that God has something better for them,a better path. And that they can be male and be happy as a male and God will give them a fulfilling life if they accept them into their life. So please don't come on here judging me as a bigot or phobic. You don't know me.
You have a highly transphobic attitude. Perhaps it would do you good to listen to this friend with an open heart. Everyone comes to discussions with their own preconceived ideas and biases, and I think we (we referring to all people, including myself and you) must try to leave those behind at some point. Sometimes, we have to listen and empathise. I would see this as of particular importance when dealing with a minority that already faces significant problems in their mental and physical wellbeing. Talk to your friend, and set aside the conservative beliefs until you have heard their full story. Ask them questions, and ask them with the attitude that you genuinely want to know the answer to them.
I’m not asking you to agree with her, but at very least listen to what she has to say without interrupting to preach your own beliefs at her.
Also, use the correct pronouns because it is the polite thing to do. Continuously misgendering someone is only going to increase animosity between you both.
‘Laws aren't decided by the minority in this country. This is a republic where all vote and laws are put in place. Laws were never supposed to be changed because of popular opinion.’
I think I spot a contradiction