I was both dismayed and disappointed to learn that our representatives voted for the so-called “bathroom bill,” but I was particularly dismayed with the excerpts of Rep. Jonah Wheeler’s speech. A bogus argument like the one in his speech (women, even one, need to “feel safe” in the bathroom) has been used many times to argue for discrimination against minorities. For example, in the name of “feeling safe,” Blacks in this country were at one time unfairly excluded from bathrooms, lunch counters and buses. Likewise, Chinese and other minority families were redlined into certain districts in cities and towns, and Irish immigrants were deprived of schooling and job opportunities. Wheeler also ignores the need for a transgender man or woman to “feel safe.”
State Rep. Peter Leishman errs when he blames liberal Democrats for focusing on social issues. As he well knows, the Republicans set the agenda in the state Legislature, and it is the Republicans who are interested in dividing the electorate over social issues, rather than addressing the very real economic and budgetary issues facing the state. It should never be unacceptable to seek “liberty and justice for all.”
The one thing I agree with is that this topic needs more thoughtful dialogue. This dialogue would be most effective if conducted within the communities and schools where the issues arise, perhaps allowing the accommodation of all the interested parties. This bill forecloses any opportunity for discussion and supplants it with a blanket denial of the rights and wishes of the minority trans community.
I hope that our representatives will rethink their positions and support all their constituents, both majority and minority. I also hope that the Legislature will allow local communities and school boards to discuss and resolve these types of issues.
David Odland
Peterborough