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On Monday, May 9, the transgender community received the backing it needs to conquer the controversial bathroom bill that has been passed in North Carolina. Other states, including Tennessee, have attempted to follow suit, which could lead to a devastating crisis across the nation. Already, North Carolina has begun to feel the full effects of a lack of federal funding including North Carolina University, who fears they will collapse unless the bill is struck down. Recently, they informed the Justice Department they would comply with federal law and ignore the governor's harmful legislature.
Attorney General Loretta Lynch directly addressed the transgender community in her press conference saying, "...no matter how isolated or scared you may feel today... we stand with you; and we will do everything we can to protect you going forward. Please know that history is on your side. This country was founded on a promise of equal rights for all, and we have always managed to move closer to that promise, little by little, one day at a time. It may not be easy — but we’ll get there together."
Tourism and industry has been dealt a heavy blow in North Carolina with various music artists cancelling concerts and major businesses refusing to work with the state. Hundreds of businesses have participated in the boycott, including PayPal and Microsoft. The impact could last years.
So what is the argument about in the lawsuit?
The Department of Justice has decided to sue North Carolina over Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The Department believes that by barring transgender individuals from using restrooms that coincide with their identity is "sex discrimination." North Carolina is arguing with that interpretation, calling it "radical." They believe they are protecting the privacy of its people by condemning an entire minority to more fear and discrimination. It's hard enough being transgender in today's society, North Carolina, did you have to make it harder?
Not only is the everyday transgender citizen in North Carolina in jeopardy, young students are as well. HB2, commonly known as "The Bathroom Bill," would require all public facilities such as schools and universities to comply. Transgender minors would be asked to use bathrooms and locker rooms that coincided with their birth certificate and not their gender. I don't know about you, but I'm glad I don't live in North Carolina.
But as states like Tennessee, whose bill was thankfully struck down, or Mississippi who signed into law a bill that would allow employers to fire employees just for being an LGBT individual, continue to try and suppress people like me, I can't help but worry that the fear-mongering will creep its way further north and east.
This is the newest battle for equality and civil rights. Though some fight for it, others don't think the problem is big enough yet to stop. If history has taught us anything, we should know to stop this division of the American people before it becomes a larger issue.
