When I see what some on the far right will do in order to slag those they disagree with, I have to admit that it sometimes makes me wonder if we will ever approach fully equality in this country.
A perfect example of the right wing hysteria regarding transsexuals is on full display in Houston. A group called the Campaign for Houston is spending $100,000 to air ads in opposition to the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) which will appear on the ballot in November. HERO would specifically prohibit “discrimination on the basis of characteristics in City employment, City services, City contracting practices, housing, public accommodations and private employment.”
In other words, it would try to eliminate all discrimination based on sexual orientation in the city of Houston. That is certainly a very noble goal, but based on the reaction from those opposed to HERO, you would think war had just been declared.
Radio ads are already running attempting to sow fear into people based on what would take place in public bathrooms if the ordinance is passed. One ad begins with a woman’s voice saying:
“No men in women’s bathrooms. This ordinance will allow men to freely go into women’s bathrooms, locker rooms and showers. That is filthy, that is disgusting, and that is unsafe.”
Is it now? Then why is it no problem at all in many European countries where public facilities are unisex? Are Europeans just much more filthy, disgusting, and unsafe than Americans? I have traveled extensively in Europe, and I can report that the vast majority of bathrooms there are significantly cleaner than those you see at your local Walmart or Target.
This is just the latest attack on HERO legislation. Earlier this month, four local pastors also filed suit filed suit against Houston Mayor Annise Parker, who just so happens to be one of the first openly gay mayors in the country. In that suit, the accuse Mayor Parker and her “conspirators” of unconstitutionally rejecting valid petition signatures that would have repealed the city-passed ordinance.
Speaking only for myself here, I could care less who uses the same bathroom I do. It’s really none of my business. I’m there to relieve myself, wash my hands, and leave. And as the father of a daughter, it does not freak me out to know that a trans person may be using the bathroom at the same time as my daughter.
To be perfectly honest, I’m a lot more afraid of narrow-minded bigots who would try to impose their antiquated beliefs on her.
