Opponents call for ‘no’ vote on transgender bill

Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007

Opponents call for ‘no’ vote on transgender bill

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The article concerning the County Council’s proposed Bill 23-07, which would require females to share personal facilities with transgenders, failed to mention that this bill would not define ‘‘facilities” as bathrooms alone, but would include locker rooms and showers as well. (‘‘Transgender bill raises some hackles,” Oct. 31),

The bill, if passed by the council on Nov. 13, would allow biologic males to access female showers and dressing facilities. Many transgenders have not had reassignment surgery but would still be allowed into lockers and showers.

Also, what was considered indecent exposure in the past will be legalized. Unless people communicate their concerns to the County Council, indecent exposure will be legalized by Bill 23-07.

Ruth M. Jacobs, MD, Rockville

The writer is an infectious disease physician and represents The Citizens for Responsible Curriculum on the county public schools’ Citizens Advisory Committee.

As if the new health education in our schools was not enough, now comes legislation proposed by the County Council that would allow men to dress like women in the work place, use ladies locker rooms, bathrooms and other facilities as if they were female.

Of course, women will be allowed to use the men’s locker rooms, bathrooms and dress like men in their place of employment.

Bill 23-07 states in part that ‘‘...an employer must allow an employee to appear, groom and dress consistent with the employee’s gender identity.” There is also a recommended amendment to let a person use facilities based on the person’s gender identity — not to be confused with a ‘‘person’s assigned sex at birth.”

And you thought President Bush took your privacy away with the Patriot Act. Suddenly that doesn’t seem so bad does it?

Bunny S. Galladora, North Potomac

The writer is president of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union of Maryland.

Bill 23-07 would result in embarrassing restroom encounters. Even worse, the doors would be open for sexual predators to go into restrooms to prey on victims.

The definition of marriage upheld by the Maryland courts as only between a man and a woman would be threatened. Two biological men, with one having gender identity as a woman, could present themselves for marriage in a civil or religious setting. Religious liberties would be threatened as this gender identity bill would be in conflict with the beliefs of many faiths.

We elect council members to uphold the laws of a civil society. The council members who support this bill appear more intent on performing a social experiment with potentially disastrous results. Please vote ‘‘no” on Bill 23-07.

Robert Nelson, Gaithersburg

An open letter to the County Council:

Have you lost all semblance of common sense? Bill 23-07, which would allow transgender people to use ladies restrooms, locker rooms, etc., is a travesty.

We have already been the laughingstocks of the nation for trying to ban smoking outside and for banning Santa Claus in Kensington. What’s next? Are you going to hand out condoms to 11 year olds as they are doing in another state?

Vote ‘‘no” on this terrible bill and preserve a little decency here.

Dennis Walsh, Silver Spring