Controversy Erupts Over Transgender Woman in Women’s Locker Room in Missouri
St. Louis, MO- A transgender woman’s presence in the women’s locker room at a gym in suburban St. Louis has sparked a protest, a proposed boycott, and demands for an investigation by the state’s Republican attorney general, who promptly responded.
A woman recently became a member of a gym, as reported by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
On Friday morning, a Republican state lawmaker conducted a news conference outside the gym, attracting protesters who voiced their criticism of the fitness center, as reported by the newspaper.
In a statement, Bushaw emphasized that the Missouri Human Rights Act strictly forbids any form of discrimination based on sex. As a result, the member should utilize Life Time’s women’s locker room.
The Ellisville police Capt. Andy Vaughn reported that the agency received a report of alleged indecent exposure at the gym and is currently investigating the matter. There have been no charges filed.
Furthermore, on Friday, Attorney General Andrew Bailey made an announcement regarding an ongoing investigation into the gym. In a letter sent to Life Time, he expressed concerns that their policies may be facilitating behavior that could potentially be considered criminal.
There is currently no law in Missouri that specifically addresses transgender individuals’ use of public restrooms. Additionally, the state’s attorney general has limited power when it comes to pursuing criminal charges in this matter. Local prosecutors usually handle that.
Bailey mentioned a 2015 Missouri appeals court decision that involved a man who was found guilty of misdemeanor trespassing in a women’s gas station restroom.
Under those circumstances, the individual took refuge in a restroom designated for women at a gas station and spent a few hours indulging in smoking cigarettes. Although he didn’t explicitly state his gender identity, he made an effort to alter his voice when asked to refrain from smoking by the staff.
Police were contacted by workers and promptly arrived at the scene to question the man regarding his presence in the female restroom.
The Ellisville police have stated that they are not conducting an investigation into possible trespassing, as the private gym had granted permission to the member to use the women’s locker room. It remains uncertain whether Missouri law permits the prosecution of property owners for allowing trespassing on their premises.
On Tuesday, voters will have the opportunity to choose between re-electing Bailey, who was appointed by Gov. Mike Parson, or nominating Will Scharf as the Republican candidate. Scharf is a part of the legal team that worked with former President Donald Trump.
Source: The Independent
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