Here at Escort Scotland, we are huge supporters of LGBTQ (have I missed any out?) rights. Therefore we were sad to hear that President Donald Trump has rescinded President Obama’s edict which stated that transgender school-kids could use either bathroom when they were at school.
It is fair to say that Obama’s policy didn’t go down too well in some states, with 13 of them taking legal action against it.
This new policy will mean that each state can make its own decisions on what the rule should be, instead of there being an overriding Federal rule.
The change will have no immediate impact as it had already been blocked by a judge in Texas. However, it is hugely symbolic.
Last May, Mr Obama’s justice and education departments told public schools to allow transgender students to use whichever bathroom corresponded to their gender identity.
Though none of this was legally binding, the schools were told they risked losing public funding if they refused. So in reality, this was mandatory.
Support for the Ruling
On Wednesday, conservative activists praised Mr Trump’s order, saying it protected all students right to privacy.
“Our daughters should never be forced to share private, intimate spaces with male classmates, even if those young men are struggling with these issues,” said Vicki Wilson, a member of Students and Parents for Privacy.
“It violates their right to privacy and harms their dignity.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, was also a happy man.
“Our fight over the bathroom directive has always been about former President Obama’s attempt to bypass Congress and rewrite the laws to fit his political agenda for radical social change,” he said.
Now it is fair to say, the decision by President Trump hasn’t gone down well everywhere.
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten called the move a major setback for the rights of trans people.
“By rescinding these protections, the Trump administration is compromising the safety and security of some of our most vulnerable children,” she said.
“Reversing this guidance tells trans kids that it’s OK with the Trump administration and the Department of Education for them to be abused and harassed at school for being trans.”
This is all down to whether it is a matter for the state, or as a human right, a matter for the federal government. Gay celeb Ellen Degeneres certainly has her opinion. She tweeted : “This isn’t about politics. It’s about human rights.”
A Blow For Human Rights
No I have to admit, I am not sure how it works, and it is that lack of clarity which is causing a lot of the problems. Many parents are feel that a boy can just say that he is trans, and then just pop in the girls toilets, making every girl there feel uncomfortable. The boy himself may not be trans, just sleazy. This may not actually be the case, but I, and most of the United States, have no real idea.
What I will say is that is shouldn’t be too difficult to work out a way to make it acceptable to all. Those with legitimate concerns could easily be placated. You can therefore only be left feeling that this is an ideological decision by Trump, not a pragmatic one.
This is all very, very sad. There will be no clarification on the laws, no looking for a way to protect the rights of trans children, but protecting the other students also. Just children in some states feeling excluded, hurt, bullied, depressed, and maybe even suicidal.
Here at Escort Scotland, we show trans children our solidarity.
Since then, he has specialised in articles on the battle for equal rights for sex workers, sexual health, as well as bringing the readers fun news from around the world. He also has a major interest in LGBT rights, and is an active campaigner in this field.
When he isn't fighting the good fight, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, and young daughter. He also enjoys reading and taking long walks.
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