by BSU
Following a fierce clash between LGBT advocates and religious conservatives, the citizens of Springfield, Mo., have repealed a controversial anti-discrimination bill that would have forced business owners to service gay weddings and allowed transgendered men access to women’s bathrooms.
Last fall, the city council of Springfield passed the controversial bill despite protests from citizens. The law banned discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in housing, employment and public accommodations. It also extended nondiscrimination rules already on the books based on race, creed, sex and disability, specifically related to the sale of real estate and private homes.
According to the campaign to repeal the law, “Anyone claiming to be transgender [has] the right to choose which public locker room, dressing room, bathroom, or other previously gender specific area they wish to use. This new, special privilege opens a door for sexual predators to claim being transgender in order to access these private areas.”
Additionally, under the ordinance, a private homeowner could not refuse to sell their home to another person due to any of the above-stated reasons. In doing so, they would be guilty of discrimination and liable to prosecution.
Citizens began a petition drive, which resulted in a public vote held last week that repealed the ordinance.
Why It Matters
The effort to take away the right of homeowners to sell or refuse to sell their property to whomever they wish is possibly the grossest infringement of rights to date. And while supporters of the bill scoff at the fear of peeping toms, the fact remains that currently, if a man is found in the women’s restroom, security can remove him. Under the proposed ordinance, that would be impossible.
Take Action
Let the good people of Springfield know that you applaud their actions. Contact city council members and tell them you support Springfield’s vote.
Following a fierce clash between LGBT advocates and religious conservatives, the citizens of Springfield, Mo., have repealed a controversial anti-discrimination bill that would have forced business owners to service gay weddings and allowed transgendered men access to women’s bathrooms.
According to the campaign to repeal the law, “Anyone claiming to be transgender [has] the right to choose which public locker room, dressing room, bathroom, or other previously gender specific area they wish to use. This new, special privilege opens a door for sexual predators to claim being transgender in order to access these private areas.”
Additionally, under the ordinance, a private homeowner could not refuse to sell their home to another person due to any of the above-stated reasons. In doing so, they would be guilty of discrimination and liable to prosecution.
Citizens began a petition drive, which resulted in a public vote held last week that repealed the ordinance.
Why It Matters
The effort to take away the right of homeowners to sell or refuse to sell their property to whomever they wish is possibly the grossest infringement of rights to date. And while supporters of the bill scoff at the fear of peeping toms, the fact remains that currently, if a man is found in the women’s restroom, security can remove him. Under the proposed ordinance, that would be impossible.
Take Action
Let the good people of Springfield know that you applaud their actions. Contact city council members and tell them you support Springfield’s vote.
