Patricia Hughes | Oppose SB552

I am a parent of a transgender son. I write to you as a mother and as a concerned citizen to oppose this bill. This bill authorizes businesses, organizations and government agencies to discriminate against our fellow transgender citizens. By not allowing transgender individuals to use a public restroom that aligns with their gender identity, you are telling our neighbors, friends and family members they do not matter in our society. It is morally wrong to force people to make a choice: lose your privacy or do not venture into public. Not allowing a person easy access to perform a basic life necessity is the ultimate display of cruelty. While on a school trip in high school, my son did not have access to use bathroom for over 12 hours, prevented by his obedience to the law and for not looking like he belonged in the women's restroom. No one should be made to suffer the indignation of not being able to access a bathroom. I strongly oppose this discriminatory law and urge you vote no. Please stand up for our fellow citizens who have become an easy target in recent years.