Restroom use should be determined by common sense, not government force

Not many years ago disabled individuals had difficulty using restroom facilities. People brought it to the forefront, ideas were formulated, changes were made, and we now have barrier-free facilities that simplify restroom use by those who were frustrated by the way things were.

There is always the right and the wrong way to do things. Those that are disabled did it the right way. In regard to the transgender issue, it has been done the wrong way. This is an example of the government’s current Modus Operandi. Some people, behind closed doors, make a decision and then force-feed it down the people’s throats. Then they call anyone that does not accept it “bigots, haters and homophobes.” Give the people a break; after all, men’s and women’s restrooms have been around for a long time and initially came to be for a reason. The vast majority of people do not like this new restroom policy. What happened to the voice of the people?

I believe there are far fewer bigots than some people would have you think. Few people would object to accommodating the transgender people in some way. Transgender people have endured difficult times for years. I am sure, with a little patience and a correct approach, that satisfactory changes could have been instigated without threatening the general public.

Up until now, as a society, we have honored the concept of personal space and security. Erin Andrews was recently awarded $55 million dollars because someone secretly videotaped her and put it on the Internet, where it can never be erased. What happens now if a creep films someone over the shower wall and it hits the Internet? Are they going to be told, “Times have changed, babe; get over it?” Or if someone is raped, is she going to be asked, “If you weren’t comfortable when the man walked in, why didn’t you leave?” Think of the fear that is already embedded in the minds of girls and women who have previously been abused. Public places already scare them to death. But apparently, that does not matter anymore.

Richard E Willis

Moses Lake