Associated Press – A federal judge on Friday halted enforcement of a new Tennessee law requiring businesses to post special signs if they allow transgender women to use women’s restrooms.
The first-of-its-kind law went into effect on July 1 and would require such businesses to post signs on multiperson bathrooms that read:
“This facility maintains a policy of allowing the use of restrooms by either biological sex, regardless of the designation on the restroom.”
Businesses in Nashville and Chattanooga sued over the law, claiming that being forced to post those signs would violate their First Amendment rights.
The state of Tennessee argued in court that the signs are merely factual.
In her Friday decision, U.S. District Judge Aleta Trauger handed a victory to the businesses that sued, granting a preliminary injunction that effectively prevents the state from enforcing the law while the case works through the courts.
She noted that the U.S. Supreme Court has found that compelling individuals to “‘mouth support for views they find objectionable’” violates a cardinal constitutional command unless justified by “the strongest of rationales.”
The law’s sponsor, Republican state Rep. Tim Rudd, has said he is concerned about sexual predators taking advantage of loose restroom policies to assault or rape other restroom users.
The law also would require signage on locker rooms, shower facilities and dressing rooms, according to court filings.
The sign requirement is part of the state building codes and violations would be considered a misdemeanor offense, according to court filings. How the measure would be enforced, however, has been unclear. In June, Republican Senate Speaker Randy McNally told reporters he didn’t think it would be enforced.
Transgender arrested after argument over bathroom
Author: Chloe Leshner
Published: 8:11 PM EDT July 3, 2019
WCNC, SHELBY, N.C. — A confrontation at a Shelby restaurant is bringing the House Bill 2 controversy up again. A transgender [person] was arrested after an argument escalated over the bathroom [he or she] chose to use.
It happened inside the Denny’s in Shelby. A transgender [person] used the women’s bathroom. That upset other customers, but police say it was only her reaction that landed her in handcuffs.
A controversial topic reignited. Police called over a trip to the bathroom.
“We don’t really get this kind of call much,” said Captain Steve Canipe with the Shelby Police Department.
Police say 22-year-old Michael Lloyd, who identifies as a woman, used the women’s restroom last Sunday. According to the arrest report, that upset another customer, David Short.
He told police his wife was in the bathroom at the same time and he “didn’t feel that was right.” He called police, who responded and explained the law.
“The officers instructed the patrons who were having a question about if it was legal, of course it is legal for this young lady to use the bathroom that she identified with,” Canipe said.
Police say the reason for the arrest came a few minutes later.
“They had already left the restaurant decided to come back in and I guess express their opinion by actually spitting at someone, so that is where the problem came in,” he said.
Llyod’s family had no comment on the entire situation.
The highly controversial original law known as the “bathroom bill” was repealed back in 2017. Now, a transgender person is able to use the bathroom of the gender they identify with.
“There was no signage or anything and the employees didn’t interfere with the use of the bathroom, it was all completely open,” Canipe said.
Lloyd was released on an unsecured bond … Click here to read more.
