Ladies expected to flee pool locker rooms fearing men in women's swim suits -- advocates say fears overstated
-- From "Guv strikes state's gender-specific restrooms" © 2008 WorldNetDaily 5/29/08
With today's signature on SB200, Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, a Democrat, has eliminated gender-specific restrooms and locker rooms statewide, giving woman and girls reason to fear being confronted by predators, cross-dressers "or even a homosexual or heterosexual male," according to a critic.
The state's new "transgender nondiscrimination" bill makes it illegal to deny a person access to public accommodations, including restrooms and locker rooms, based on gender identity or the "perception" of gender identity.
Those who would attempt to protect females from this intrusion are subject to a fine of up to $5,000 and up to one year behind bars.
"And by the way, because of the way this bill is written, it is not subject to the initiative process. There is no recourse,” [said James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, the Christian publishing and broadcast ministry in Colorado Springs]
According to the bill, business owners and managers of restaurants, gyms, barber shops, massage parlors and managers of public facilities "of any kind whether indoor or outdoor" cannot deny a person employment or access to a facility based on gender identity or that "perception."
Dobson warned the Colorado bill now will be "coming to every state in the country."
To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.
-- From "Ritter signs bill giving gays equal access to accommodations" by Mark Barna 5/29/08 in the Colorado Springs Gazette
Gov. Bill Ritter on Thursday signed a bill that makes it illegal in Colorado to discriminate against gays, bisexuals and transgendered people when buying a home, renting an apartment or using public accommodations.
"The governor felt that this bill, SB200, was about fairness and treating people equally," said Evan Dreyer, spokesman for the governor's office. "It essentially updates anti-discrimination laws that in some cases have not been updated for 50 years."
Bruce DeBoskey, regional director of Denver's Anti-Defamation League, a civil rights organization, said the law is a step forward for Coloradans.
. . . DeBoskey denounced Dobson's view.
"It is unfortunate that they feel they have to exaggerate the dangers and play on people's fears," DeBoskey said. "This law is about fairness and justice for all people living in this state."
"The passing of this bill shows that Colorado is a progressive state."
To read the entire Gazette article, CLICK HERE.
