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Wednesday, April 6, 2016

The Bathroom Issue

There are a number of states that are passing laws that require individuals to use the bathroom for the gender their bodies indicate.  In other words, males have to use the men's room and women must use the ladies room no matter with what sex they currently identify.  The laws frequently cover locker rooms and other sorts of dressing rooms as well.  Somehow, these laws are portrayed as being discrimination, but is that correct?  Here's the basic question:  must the more than 99% of people who identify their gender in accordance with their bodies have to use facilities with those who do not?  More precisely, should a group of girls in middle school be required to share a gym locker room with a boy of the same age who says he "identifies" as a female?  Clearly, such a transgendered student may feel unsettled by having to use the boy's locker room.  Just as clearly, however, many of the girls may feel unsettled by having a student who presents as a boy sharing their locker room.  The issue is not just the rights of the transgendered student, but of ALL the students.

Why must the 99% be made uncomfortable in order to please the 1%?  Doesn't the law require equality?  Shouldn't the rights of the majority control in this case?

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