My son and I were just settling into our work at the MassHOPE homeschool convention last Friday when I received a phone call informing me that the Bathroom Bill was being voted out of committee.  This brings the bill (actually two of them, a Senate version and a House version) one step closer to being voted on. The Boston Globe and the Associated Press both quickly reached out to MFI for comment, as did a number of local papers.  With the AP story getting picked up internationally, this resulted in over one hundred mentions of MFI and our staunch opposition to this nefarious bill.  We strive to be your voice for family values in the public arena, and I’m happy to say that our side was represented.

Now I need you to do your part and make sure your legislators hear from you.  We believe the real fight over this bill will be in the House of Representatives. PLEASE CALL your State Rep and tell them to oppose House Bill 4253 (formerly HB1577), the Bathroom Bill.

Below are some facts you may wish to share with your State Rep.  Make your voice heard – call your rep TODAY.  I can assure you they are under relentless pressure from transgender advocates to vote for this bill.  They NEED to hear from you!

For our families,

 

Facts About the Bathroom Bill:

• MA already passed a transgender rights bill in 2011, and the legislature intentionally kept bathrooms out of it.

• The only public accommodations not covered under existing law and policy are bathrooms, locker rooms and other lawfully sex-segregated facilities.

• If this bill is passed, the process for addressing allegations of gender identity discrimination in public accommodations will remain exactly the same as it is now – filing a claim with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD).

• This bill would impose criminal penalties (including up to a year in jail) on business owners who attempt to prevent biological men from using women’s facilities.

• The definition of “gender identity” is extremely vague, and existing law only requires a person to demonstrate that their “gender-related identity is sincerely held as part of [that] person’s core identity.”

• Women should not be forced to undress or shower in the presence of men. This violates the right to privacy.

• This is a case where one individual’s right to express themselves with a gender identity will violate another person’s right to privacy and perhaps even safety.

• There is no way to police this gender identity law, because its entire premise is based on feelings not facts.

• The right to privacy is particularly important for women who have suffered sexual abuse. For them, the mere presence of a male in what should be a private, safe space like a restroom or locker room can trigger psychological and emotional harm.

• Allowing men to use women’s bathrooms, showers and locker rooms puts both women and children in situations of grave danger. Evidence shows that bathrooms are one of the most prevalent places in which sexual assault and rape occur.