In a surprising move, the Oxford City Council on Wednesday rescinded an ordinance it recently passed that would’ve forced transgender people to use public restrooms that match their biological sex. The mayor hadn’t signed the order yet, which gave council members a chance to call it back, bowing to pressure from civil rights organizations.
Council members said their hands were tied. Threats of lawsuits from organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union were enough for a majority of members to vote in favor of recalling this controversial ordinance that carried with it fines of up to $500 or six months in jail.
The ordinance was a response to a recent move by retail giant Target, which now allows transgender people to use the bathroom of their choice. Target has a store in Oxford and the city council felt compelled to take action.
However, Oxford’s city attorney recommended the recall on a count that language in the ordinance is consistent with violations to Title IX. This is a federal law outlining anti-discrimination policies in public education.
Councilman Chris Spurlin said this was an easy fix and supporters agreed.
“The answer is to amend the ordinance, not to recall the ordinance or rescind it,” Spurlin said, stirring cheers from those watching the meeting.
Even those who voted in favor of the recall did so begrudgingly. Councilwoman Charlotte Hubbard was one of the three. She said this fight is not over.
“I am going to contact our state delegation and begin work with them on one of the most effective and punitive anti-predator laws in the nation,” said Hubbard.
The council maintains that this ordinance was about public safety and transgender advocates agree that public safety is important. “The problem is this had nothing to do with public safety, and I don’t know if they understand that yet,” said Mara Keisling from the National Center for Transgender Equality. “But saying that transgender people are predators doesn’t help anybody. All it does is hurt transgender people.”
Laws like this are popping up all over the county, but, Keisling said, she’s confident that will stop when people will eventually realize these laws don’t make any sense.