New Legislation Bans 'Transphobia' with Charges Up to $250,000

New laws were enacted in New York City and Washington State this week intended to protect the rights of transgender individuals. However, if violated, the laws could cost citizens up to $250,000 per offense. 

Charisma News reports the new legislation protects transgender individuals from acts of “transphobia” in businesses. Writer Michael Brown provided the following examples: 

If a biological male walked into the women’s changing room at a gym and and was stopped from proceeding by an employee, that is considered transphobia. 

If a biological female enters a men’s restroom at a restaurant, and is stopped, and then questioned about her gender, that is considered transphobia. 

Also according to the legislation, businesses must have the same uniform for men and women. If a restaurant requires women to wear skirts, the men must now also. 

“Sex stereotyping” in businesses is also prohibited. This means companies that permit female employees to wear makeup and jewelry must also allow men to do so. 

Joseph Backholm, executive director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington said, "To my knowledge, this is the first time in the country that there's been a statewide effort to mandate all public accommodations cooperate with the gender identity concept that somebody declares."

Publication date: January 7, 2016