Christians Target Trans Protections

Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.

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Neal Broverman

November 18 2009 2:15 PM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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Tampa, Fla.'s transgender population stands to receive antidiscrimination protections under a measure given preliminary approval by the city council two weeks ago, but now Christian groups are mobilizing to block those new rights.

Groups including the Florida Family Association and the Community Issues Council are urging their members to pack a Thursday night city council meeting where the antidiscrimination measure is expected to be finalized.

"This ordinance will give lawful protection to cross dressing males to patronize women's restrooms," the Florida Family Association said in a statement, according to TheTampa Tribune. "And men dressed as women or women who perceive themselves as men can also use men's restrooms."

The proposed changes to Tampa's antidiscrimination measure would prohibit bias against transgender people in housing, employment, and public accommodations. But the Community Issues Council is telling its members that the new law will allow "sexual predators" to use public restrooms.

Recently, Christian groups unsuccessfully attempted to overturn gay and transgender protections in both Kalamazoo, Mich. and Gainesville, Fla.

Read the full story on Tampa here.