When I first heard about AB 1266, the transgender bathroom bill, I didn’t believe it. Starting January 1, 2014, a new law allowing transgender students to use the facilities consistent with the gender they most identify with is supposed to take affect for all public schools K-12 in the state of California.
This bill now gives students the power to choose what kind of gender they will identify with when it comes to restrooms, locker rooms and even sports teams.
California Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill allowing children to use the other gender facilities, Aug. 13. Brown believes that this will stop bullying and allow transgender student to feel more comfortable with themselves. This law ensures transgender students to have the same opportunity to succeed as others.
The people of California did not respond well to the new law passed by Governor Brown. Many people, me included, feel that some student may decide to abuse the system intimidating other students and giving them an uncomfortable feeling.
The people fear more harm than good will come from this. I disagree with Governor Brown. I believe this will start bullying and non-transgender students will take advantage of the new system.
A coalitions of concerned citizens and organizations who are opposed to the idea have started a referendum to overturn the bill. A referendum is the practice of referring a measure proposed or passed by a legislative body to a vote by the people for approval or rejection.
The coalition called “Privacy For All Students” has been gathering signatures of California voters who don?t like the bill. They needed 505,000 voter signatures by November 2013.
With over 600,000 signatures collected to date, the referendum bill has required that AB 1266 be put on hold for now, giving voters the opportunity to have their say on the November 2014 ballot.
Because the people of California had no say in the matter when the Governor wrote it into law, the people have a right to say whether or not the policy stands or is repealed.
This author can be reached via Twitter: @KaraginUdall. Follow The Feather via Twitter: @thefeather.
For more opinions, read the Dec. 2 article, Sophomore weighs pros and cons of Obamacare.
