I admit I do not understand what it is like to be transgender..........what I would like for some one to do is explain how it works............let's say I'm transgender (I'M not) and want to dress as a female.........go out partying etc.........get home late. Next mornng, I'm tired, a little hung over.........gosh it takes so long to get dressed as a female.......so do I then just dress as my self? A guy? I am very confused how all this works...... do one day you call yourself Jane and another day say hello, my name is John? And no I'm not afraid you will attack me or other females in the ladies room......I'm worried that sexual predators will use this as a reason to use the restrooms.......both mens and ladies.........there are female sexual predators as well.

Props to the Council Chair for being reluctant to oversimplify this issue. The comment above (from Ms. Wood) reveals just how much misunderstanding exists on this subject.

Those who fear that sexual predators will misuse public restrooms must be unaware that this already occurs, and has for a long time, and I am not certain how a law that "would allow employers and business owners to set their own rules regarding use of public areas such as restrooms..." would further enable them.

Joan, I think you're confusing transgendered people with those who are cross dressers. For example, if a person is biologically born a male, considers themselves a man, but likes to put on women's clothing, they are a cross-dresser. This bill has nothing to do with them.

A transgendered person is not a cross dresser. An example of a transgendered person would be someone who is biologically born as a male but has always felt they are female. For example, a few years ago there was a story on 20/20 about transgendered children. In one of these stories a parent talked about how their male-born child actually talked about cutting off their you-know-what!! Chances are transgendered people are probably undergoing some sort of chemical therapy to assist in their sex change (for example, a male to female transgendered person would be on medication to increase estrogen). I doubt that there are any transgendered people who seamlessly change between their gender. As for sexual predators, both Montgomery County and Baltimore City have laws similar to what is being proposed in Baltimore County and I have not heard of any cases where this law was abused by sexual predators.

And for those of you who oppose putting public accommodations into this law, I have a question. Exactly what bathrooms should a transgender person be using? If a person looks like a female, thinks they are female, but has yet to undergo sex change therapy, as a male, I'd much rather they use the women's room.

i would not want a person whose plumbing is exteranl using the same facilities as a female member of my family.

as for the comment from blonde, jim smith liberal

There are a lot of people calling who are really quite hateful," said Almond

i suppose if you do not agree with everything a liberal says, you are hateful. B.S. typical democrap.

now vicki, get back to that $54,000.00 a year part time job, with health benefits and a county car and raise those taxes.

Laws already exist that deal with the matters of focus in this bill.
Creating new laws will not speed up a process that is caused by nature.... only time will smooth this type of ruffled feather..

Ms. Almond, I'm shocked by your statement that "testimony against the bill won't derail the process."

"We're definitely keeping it on the agenda,"said Almond. "We've got two weeks to work on it before we need to have it ready."

What's the point of public input, then, Ms. Almond? You've already got your mind made up!

There's a whole lot more issues with this bill than the public accommodations portion. Besides the safety/privacy issues, there's impact to businesses, and it's also an education issue as well. Check out the article on Examiner.com today.

The term "derail the process" was hopefully a poor choice of words.... how insulting to human beings seeking the greater good for all. Public input, regardless of it's content, is critical to the process of making informed, fair and more importantly balanced decisions. If " derailing " naturally occurs... the decision should be clear....there is no need for new law.

Where does this insanity STOP! This country is going to hell in a hand basket and we are worrying about individuals who are confused about their birth gender! Our country is falling apart at the seams, to include this state and county, yet we worry about offending people who want something they were NOT born as or with. This is just absolutely insane! Our elected officials are wasting time proposing how to protect these confused minorities but they don't consider that maybe they are offending the other majority whom do not want their children exposed to such heights of biological gerrymandering! And in the end, who pays for this? SO I guess now there will be three bathrooms to accommodate the new confused transgendered individuals. I, for one do not want to share the restroom with a person whom was once a woman by birth and nature! You can call me anything you like but this is just getting insanely out of control now! What the hell is next? No wonder this country is morally depleted when we are more concerned about this issue instead of where will our government impose itself into our lives next! God help us............

You are absolutely correct where does it end? Guess next we will change laws for priest touching little boys because they feel left out. Or laws changed for politicians that feel they are above the law, oh wait they have laws like this already.

It's not logical to compare transgendered people with child rapists. Most obviously because transgendered people aren't hurting anyone and aren't infringing on anyone else's rights. Child rapists are. And it's not about anything as simplistic as "feeling left out"--the trans community just needs equal protection under the law. If you're happy with your sex, that's great. If you don't understand trans people, that's fair--it'd be great if you made an effort, but this is an issue still largely in the closet.

But don't hold people who are brave enough to live life as they truly ARE up next to the violence of child rape and call it the same thing. That's absurd.

You all know that bathrooms don't have magic force fields keeping female-identified folks with penises (and vice versa) or sexual predators out, right? This law is NOT to change how people use restrooms but to give a disenfranchised group some legal protection.

Also, a fully transitioned, "passing" trans person has likely shared a bathroom with you at some point and you don't even know it. Yet the world still exists and time goes on. Really, just let trans people live as they are, they're not hurting anyone. The fact that people get worked up, hot and bothered about this is childish. Find something better to care about, there's a lot worse in the world.

I was being totally sarcastic with my comments. There is NO comparison between a transgender and a child predator. And I see my sarcasm got some rage. But truly where does it end????? People have all types of issues or beliefs. Are we soon going asking of siesta rights because this is a common tradition in some countries? Are going to pass a bill for the rights of Muslims for the right of prayer? This could go on and on.

Lora, Why place these transgender’s in the men’s room? Sound like you don’t want them in the ladies bathroom.

No, no, no, I really did not think you were comparing the two issues. I say to take care of all the folks who have gender issues, have a unisex bathroom (just transform the mens room) not the ladies room...we are so, so spoiled. We spend so much time fooling with our hair, putting on lipstick, etc, etc, we would tend to hold things up with the unisex restrooms...we need accommodations all to our very own selves. :)

Lorna, I probably should avoid this one, but here's 2 cents. If a transgender or cross dresser comes into the mens room, I really don't care any more than a gay man coming into the restroom which happens all the time since we had public restrooms.

On the other side, if a transgender or cross dresser goes into the ladies room and uses a stall, it is a stall. I am sure that has happened many times before and continues to happen.

If a predator wishes to enter those bathrooms, they will. No law passed will stop them.

So why do we need a new law?

Ahhh yes, what a smart guy! I'm closing my eyes...see it all now, drawing me closer, closer...I despise flying...wonder how long it takes to go by ship...I'll be sure to pack some dominoes. :) No more headaches about which restroom to use, uhhh, I hope :)

As for Valium--won't do, need to be knocked out. Tried flying several times almost got to like it, then had a terrible flight. When we landed, some Texan fellow walking in front of me as we left the plane made a remark loud and clear.."....been flyin for 20 years and that's the closest I've ever come..." Decision made right then and there...no more flying for me. Just a natural born chicken...unless of course they can pull over on a cloud and let me out if I ask politely.

As far as St. Martin - bless their little brave hearts!! Not my style, ha, ha.

Well, a trans friend of me posted a link about this on her Facebook.
But, thigh this seems to be about work space right, it is all to do with public facilities.
Those who are opposed to girls and women using the ladies because they were born with parts that had then assigned male at birth, also do exclude these http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&hl=en&v=dSlEScXUK70&gl=US girls from using the ladies, while banning them to the gents for just needing to pee!

The girl in this video is a friend of the niece of a friend of us, also a trans girl. The girl we know is now 15 year old and on puberty blockers. If you do not know she is, you will just experience her as any other teenage girl...
You would like to send her to the gents?

I read recently that somewhere they do have protection where trans people are granted the right to use the bathroom of the gender they identify with.
There was a lot of opposition to that, and the opposition claimed there had been four cases where this had lead to abuse, or molest. The sheriff for the area has replied in writing that there had not been ANY cases like that, and no problem at all with this.

So, would you really like to send these girls and women to the gents?
Think again, I'd say!

Urinals to the left and stalls to the right. Or vice versa. Bodily functions are what they are.

Amen, Buck!

No Angela, not all restrooms, just men's restrooms. If I understand transgender as you are presenting it, these are boys, men, who feel they are actually girls, women. Of course I am somewhat familiar with the medical/physical problems some children are born with ...both male and female sexual organs. but, I don't think that is what we are referring to. Beyond that, It is much too deep a medical and psychological issue for me to address, hence addressing what I do know...female restrooms and the "bad guys" who tend to look for opportunities that you and I would never dream goes through their tiny little brains. Male restrooms becoming unisex restrooms could be the answer to the transgender issue "n'est-ce pas?" And so, the message I am getting is that any male (boy/man) who feels he is actually a female(girl/woman) in a male's body should be given carte blanche when needed to use any designated female restroom, namely a restroom specifically designed for females at any time so desired. I think I have run my limit on this subject and just need to withdraw further response on this particular issue.

Are you familiar with unisex restrooms? Do you think urinals should be added to the ladies restrooms? As for transgender...if the individual in fact has male organs rather than female - does that transgender person need a urinal to be comfortable? or does it simply not matter for them. In that case...the mens restrooms are completely adequate for both sexes...but then, there is the question of discomfort for the transgender person. What is interesting is your obvious lack of respect for the human anatomy with your rather crude uneducated "sausage" description, darling.

Sorry Angela, you and I are talking two completely different problems.....Yes, Angela there are children born with both male and female reproductive organs....as follows:

The medical term is hermaphrodite. "The condition is said to usually take care of itself in most cases but sometimes the subject can actually go through life having both male and female organs." There is information available regarding this condition.

Of course Jennifer, I am so out of touch with the newest terminology....working in the medical community for 35 years must admit that the term hermaphrodite was not considered offensive. Wonder who decided it was and why one should consider intersex a neutral term. ahhhh so very hard to keep up with political correctness and vague bullying. But thanks so much for sharing what some folks feel is the PROPER terminology or from my perception, the more "feel good" terminology..

I can only wonder why Vicki Almond has not responded to the concerns brought up in this blog..... what a great opportunity being missed...

No it does not mean changing all facilities Angela. How about just putting a sign OVER the Mens Room sign that says UNISEX RESTROOM. The facility is ready made for anyone who prefers either/or stall/urinal/both.

And give me a break regarding your statement about Hermaphroditism. The medical community doesn't seem to have a problem... perhaps you do. Just claim the problem as yours...no problem!!!

In addition, Angela I think perhaps you are misunderstanding who the "bad guy" is that we refer to as such.

Now How long before we also address folks who have been diagnosed with "split personalities" or think they should be. They are obviously ill and are entitled to rights, right??

I have been leaving this one alone, but may I ask how many transgender or even cross dressing folks have you knowingly seen in a restroom? In my 59 years it is Zero. So why are restrooms an issue now?

Very sensible question....I think it all began when the wording of the bill in question referred to "accommodations." Restrooms became an issue for me because I strongly feel that if transgender folks make restrooms an issue (which many responses above indicate that indeed restrooms would be an issue and the female restrooms would become a right) it opens the doors for the "bad" guys to attempt to take advantage..and perpetrate a crime of assault. If you or anyone else thinks this is beyond the criminal mind, I believe you should give it another thought. I don't think I would want to count on your observance as a sure thing. Note you do use the word "knowingly".....Do you have a problem with unisex restrooms to help advance some assurance that the "bad" guys are kept at bay as much as possible when it comes to protecting our women and children?

Woa lorna these trannys like make up 80% of men bathrooms dont have a mirror how they gonna do there make up? Also some trannys and crossdress look the same how will ya know hey soory but I need you to lift that skirt up before you enter , aduh,.....hey if ya dress like a chick then ladies room they have private stalls so what are they gonna see a crossdress sits down to pee I dont think they lift the skirt and flop it out silly

Holy Cow Paul, where in God's name has anyone, at any time referred to predators existing in the transgender or cross dressing community anymore than they do in the rest of the population? The reference to "bad guys" has strictly been the bad guys in the communities as a whole who take any advantage they can to commit the crimes that are their staple. How unfortunate the concern is being spun into something totally different. Sorry, I don't play that game. My concern from the beginning has not been the transgender person, but the persons who see a "law" of this nature on the books as an opportunity to get their foot in the door, if you will, for criminal reasons, putting women and girls at risk. Spinning the concern into a focus on possible transgender criminals has not ever been the object of discussion as far as I know, nor do I intend to go there.

Lorna, I just simply fail to see your point. Bathrooms are working fine as they are. No change needed.

Lorna , Paul... Believe it or not .. you are both on the same page here.... I agree with both..

Too many laws with too many flaws already exist... If this is a sample of the current law making trend I would question the greater good direction..

So now all the crazed Sex Offender needs to do is dress up as a girl and go on in? The long term effects of satisfying the transgenders need for acceptance is frightening. They made a personal choice so now they demand recognition from the public. Why do we all need to be involved? This is drawing a blurred line where Science and DNA are very clear. Suddenly political officials see the opportunity for a few votes while setting a precedence which invalidates DNA, Man and Woman, Little Girls Room and Little Boys Room. If you make a choice to change gender, accept it. Don't expect the rest of us to change with you!

I find the whole pro/con argument kind of funny. Watching the law of unintended consequences unfold in this sad attempt at controlling & curbing the natural selection process,i.e.,not hiring a man that comes into an interview appearing as a woman, presents an ironic punchline . Anti-discrimination bills in the workplace accomplish the exact opposite of their intent. Want to make sure transgenders don't get hired? Pass a law protecting them from being discriminated against. Hypothetically, one cannot be not hired for being trans-gender. Now here's the real world consequence: prove this is the reason why you were not called back for a follow-up interview. Find a sympathetic attorney who will represent you in your lawsuit. Now, assume, as a trans-gender, you land the job. Very easy to claim disparate treatement/harrassment/descriimination - even when NOT the case. But most firms will simply settle out of court in this regard to avoid backlash of the possible negative publicity. The inevitable outcome? If they cant be fired, they wont be hired. And if a new hire is not a good fit within the corporate culture, big problems on the horizon.

Following this continued dialogue is useful when writing a book on how to market anything with "spins"..."when to spin" "when not to spin" "how to spin".....up,down, all around until the vision is blurred to extinction!!!

This shows how disrespected Transgender people are in Baltimore County.

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2012/02/02/md-juvenile-authorities-seek-release-of-youth-charged-in-transgender-beating-case/

Mark, I was wondering when you would appear here? Mark, part of the gay community, is everywhere supporting this bill. He will pound away at this.

Did you also know that the County seems to have imposed the law on others but under public accommodations in the county code they have exempted the County Government, County Board of Education, and County Community College.
See county Code
29-2-303

Gee, could it be that they don't want them in their bathrooms with them but it's ok for them to expose themselves to children? Makes you wonder what it took to get this in the bill.....some lobbying, huh?

Anita, you know this bill simply has to do with using the bathroom for the same purposes you use the bathroom. Do you expose yourself to others in the bathroom? Your fear is out of step with reality. Its really sad that you are so afraid of everything.

Non-transgendered people are just as likely as transgendered people to expose themselves, attack others, lie, cheat, and steal. There is no way that being transgendered impacts your behavior in that way. In fact, most people undergoing this transition won't draw unnecessary attention to themselves. They want to simply live their lives.