In a move that has sparked significant controversy, the city of Odessa, Texas, has passed a transgender bathroom ban despite no evidence of any safety issues in restrooms. The City Council voted 5-2 to expand an old ordinance, now specifically targeting transgender individuals by barring them from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity. This decision has ignited outrage among LGBTQ+ advocates and residents.

Critics argue that the ban is unnecessary and unenforceable, highlighting that there have been no incidents involving transgender people in bathrooms. Research consistently shows that transgender individuals are more likely to face harassment in public restrooms. Odessa’s Mayor Javier Joven and Councilmember Chris Hanie, who introduced the ordinance, have yet to provide any concrete examples of the supposed problem they claim to address.

Adding to the controversy, the ordinance includes a $10,000 bounty, allowing residents to sue anyone they believe has violated the ban. This policy not only stigmatizes and endangers transgender people but also diverts attention from real issues affecting the community. As Alexander Ermels of PFLAG Midland and Odessa put it, “We’re wasting energy on where people go to the bathroom.”

Source: Lone Star Live