No surprise the poor man in Seattle thought he was entitled to strip down in the women’s locker room. The Feb. 27 story “Transgender rule doesn’t allow men into women’s locker rooms” reported that the man was asked to leave but refused, citing the state’s new rule about transgender restroom access.
The Dec. 26 ruling states that transgender people in Washington state can’t be forced to use a public restroom or locker room that is inconsistent with their gender identity.
Executive director of the Human Rights Commission, Sharon Ortiz, said that the Seattle man’s behavior was “inexcusable and reprehensible” and not protected by law. Is she really surprised this happened? Her own rule would be on his side for the simple reason that prohibited behavior is “asking unwelcome personal questions about an individual’s sexual orientation” (WAC 162-32-040).
Opponents warned loud and clear this is the behavior the rule invites. Whether in the presence of a sex offender or transgender, women and children lose their right to privacy.
