A Solution In Search Of A Problem

Here in Texas, the position of Lieutenant Governor (the second-highest executive office in the state, ranking below only the governor) is arguably the most powerful position in state government. The Lt. Gov. controls both the legislative agenda and the budgeting process.

Our current Lt. Gov. is a former radio talk show host named Dan Patrick. Think of a cross between Rush Limbaugh and Ted Cruz, but further to the right, more evangelical, and more abrasive.

I don't mind his stance on issues like border security, taxes, education, and the like. But I don't agree with some of his other ideas. The most recent: his support for a statewide bathroom bill.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, weighing into a national controversy over transgender restrooms, said Tuesday he supports keeping men out of women’s restrooms, even if it takes legislation to do so.

Since the issue erupted into controversy nationally, some Texas lawmakers have said they will support a state law for single-sex restrooms, and the endorsement of that position by Senate-leader Patrick is likely to give that movement momentum.

Don't get me wrong. I have a daughter, and I damn sure don't want some pervert waving his you-know-what around while she's in the restroom. But I don't see how the recent emergence of similar legislation in places like North Carolina, Georgia, and other states is the best way to address this issue. That appears to be a solution in search of a problem.

If you stop and think about it, transgendered and cross-dressing people (I'm not sure what the difference is, but LBGT advocates assure me there is one) have been using public restrooms for years now without any serious incidents that I'm aware of.

If some guy who thinks he's a gal goes into a ladies restroom, he's going to have to do his business in a stall - enclosed within walls and a closed door, his appendage safely out of sight. (I'm not an expert on ladies restrooms, but I doubt they have urinals. Ladies, please correct me if I'm wrong.)

Ditto for a gal who thinks she's a guy. She won't be able to use a urinal, so she'll have to use a stall, where no guy will be traumatized by catching a glimpse of her va-jay-jay.

In either case, other occupants of the restroom won't know and shouldn't care what kind of plumbing the person in the stall is using.

One possible solution that should be acceptable to most folks is to pass or strengthen public indecency laws that prohibit the exhibition of a person's genitalia, regardless of whether it's an innie or an outie. That should allay the concern of those who fear an outbreak of males whipping it out in a ladies restroom, which seems to be what's driving all these new restroom laws.

IMO all these bathroom bills are a waste of time and resources. They are further dividing an already fragmented populace over a non-problem. To be clear, I don't care where you fall on the 100% male <-> 100% female spectrum. Just behave yourself and keep your whatchamacallit covered up, and everything will be peachy.

Oh, and make sure you wash your hands after you go...

Of course, you could say the same thing about republicans. They're wasting time and energy worrying about who pees where, when there are much greater problems that need solving.