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| Policy related to transgender bathroom use up for debate |
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- City leaders and L.G.B.T. activists are speaking out on a controversial issue that could be voted on at Charlotte City Council's next meeting. It involves changes to the city's non-discrimination ordinance.
"I've now had about 4,500 emails in the last couple of weeks," said council member Ed Driggs.
Driggs says the public hasn't kept quiet on their feelings and he's in agreement with the majority.
"The ordinance basically puts the preferences of a small number of people ahead of the preferences of a lot of people," Driggs said.
Monday night, the city will decide whether or not to approve a new ordinance that would add sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to its list of protected characteristics.
"We're really hoping for a yes vote," said Transgender activist Paige Dula. "We've worked hard, we've worked all year on this."
Activists like Dula have come under fire by many with this proposed ordinance, specifically in regards to the issue of which bathroom transgender people will use in public places. Dula says she disagrees with many who believe the ordinance would make it easier for predators to get into restrooms to hurt women or children.
"All it's going to do is provide protections for transgender people who use the restroom that's appropriate to their presentation," Dula said.
While Driggs says he has nothing against transgender people, the privacy and safety issues are enough that he won't vote for the ordinance Monday.
"We have a separation of bathrooms in the first place for a reason and this ordinance threatens to undermine the line that is drawn between them and that makes people nervous," Driggs said.
Rallies for people on both sides are scheduled to take place prior to Monday's meeting.
News Source: wcnc.com
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