Once again, the mythical bogeyman of transgender folks using specific restrooms has been raised, in the halls of Congress, no less. I am wondering how Rep. Nancy Mace and Speaker Mike Johnson propose to check gender credentials. Driver’s license? Well, most states allow change of gender marker on driver’s licenses, sometimes requiring certification by a professional. Birth certificate?
Most states have a process for changing gender on birth certificates, many not needing a court order or proof of surgery. Do they propose an illegal, invasive physical inspection? That would be repugnant and assaultive.
Medical information is still, as of now anyway, protected under the law.
I am sorry that Rep. Mace experienced sexual assault. I seriously doubt that the assailant was a transgender person. In fact, transgender citizens present minimal risk of aggression of any kind. In fact, they are highly likely to have been victims of all types of interpersonal violence.
The chaos has a whiff of distraction from larger issues pertaining to Cabinet choices and representatives’ own behavior.
— Sue Ellen May
Eagle River
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