TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – No state law specifically prohibits a person from using a bathroom intended for the opposite sex. But legislation to create such a law is creating a lot of angst in the State Capitol. Under a bill approved by a committee Tuesday, people would have to use the bathroom of the sex listed on their government ID.
The legislation has one more committee in the House before being voted upon by the full House. It is yet to have a hearing in the state Senate.
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"What is going to happen to me when I walk into a male bathroom?" said Karen Michelle Schrader. "The risk to me is enormous."
"I'm 243 pounds," said Jean-David Parlier, who was born a woman once named Wendy. "I present as male in society. If I walk into a female bathroom, I am required by law to do so."
Others evoked images of Nazi Germany.
"Being required to produce papers on the spot to prove your identity?" said Grant Drain.
At the center of it all is legislation requiring people to use the bathroom of the gender listed on their drivers license.
The Christian Family Council said the legislation is needed to protect women.
"My wife does not want to be in a bathroom with a man, and that is her right," said the Christian Family Council executive director, Anthony Verdugo.
Others said it is needed to keep young men out of women's locker rooms.
"This bill will remedy a problem that is emerging, because things that were unthinkable a generation ago are not only thinkable but are being afforded the protection of law," said John Stemberger, with the Florida Family Council.
Several members of the committee called it a waste of time.
"You got to go to the bathroom? I don't care which bathroom it is," said Rep. Bob Cortes. "You gotta go, you gotta go."
The legislation passed 7-4, picking up one Republican vote. But comments suggested much more work is needed.
Afterward, sponsor Frank Artiles said no one in gender transition will have to use a bathroom that conflicts with their values. But that's if they can find a family-friendly bathroom.