Legislature: Open bathrooms a threat to me and my children

Re: “State Senate votes to maintain transgender locker room access rule” (TNT, 2-11).

The state Senate voted to repeal the right to privacy for me and my children in gyms and restrooms throughout Washington state.

In the name of being open-minded, the senators have in fact created legal protections for those who would access private spaces to do harm to women and children. Child molesters and rapists could easily take advantage of this situation.

The rule also creates significant liability for businesses and schools that would try to protect their customers, including the elderly, the disabled, women and children. I don’t want to have to take my husband with me or have to arm myself to protect me and my children from evil people who want to assault us in the bathroom.

I believe all people of good will can understand that common sense and compassion are not in conflict, but in a political environment simple truths are often lost.

This story was originally published February 11, 2016 at 2:44 PM with the headline "Legislature: Open bathrooms a threat to me and my children."