Keeping Federal Mandates Out Of Hoosier Bathrooms
by Ron Beacon
Gender identity and the use of school bathrooms and locker rooms is a major topic of discussion across the nation, from newspaper headlines, to debates in school board meetings and mandates from the federal government.
Recently, President Barack Obama set forth guidelines for how schools across the nation should handle bathroom usage. These guidelines say that schools must now allow students who identify as transgender the option to use the bathroom and locker room that matches their gender identity, not their biological sex. The U.S. Department of Education is threatening to withhold hundreds of millions of dollars Hoosier schools receive in federal funding if they do not comply.
I have researched Indiana law and spoken with local prosecutors on this issue. There is no law in Indiana prohibiting anyone from using the bathroom of their choice. A person can walk into a public bathroom and use it for what a bathroom was intended to be used for and still be a law-abiding citizen. If other actions take place in the bathroom, like indecent exposure or harassment, for example, then the bathroom is not being used for what it was intended for and these actions become a criminal offense.
Schools can put policies in place to keep students safe. This is where I believe those closer to their citizens are best suited to handle local issues. School boards throughout the state are already implementing, on a case-by-case basis, guidelines on behalf of their students. School board leaders, which are elected by local residents, can do what is best for students on an individual basis instead of a one-size fits all mandate from the federal government. Currently, schools across the state are conducting open forums and meetings, encouraging respectful dialogue with parents and community members to ensure that the appropriate decision is made to have a welcoming learning environment for students.
Last month, Indiana Congressman Luke Messer introduced the PUBLIC School Act (Prohibiting the Usurpation of Bathroom Laws through Independent Choice School Act), which would allow schools to make decisions regarding gender identity and the use of school bathrooms and locker rooms, while not losing their federal funds for not complying.
While Messer is working hard for Indiana at the federal level, state lawmakers on the Interim Study Committee on Courts and the Judiciary also will be meeting throughout the summer and fall months to examine civil rights issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation.
So I can better serve you and our community, I encourage you to contact me with your thoughts on this topic and others by calling 317-232-9833 or emailing me h75@iga.in.gov. Stay up-to-date with the work being done at the Statehouse by signing up to receive my email updates at www.in.gov/75.
I wonder how Mr. Bacon feels about keeping federal mandates out of your BEDROOM in your private home.
Bathrooms in a school? Really? Back 40 -50 years ago when I was in school they were called “restrooms”. Bathrooms required a bathtub/shower!
Then again, C&P had a article about the dangers of ATV’s and a group has the ear of this “legislator” to produce “mandates” regulating helmet usage for the under 18 crowd. Bottom line is this group “failed” as parents to insure that they, provided the correct “cc” motored atv for that child age group, and that their children understand all the safety of it.
ATC/ATV Booklets have been provided by the manufacters and pass along by the dealers for the past 35-40 years! There are “warning” stickers/metal plates/ molded plastic parts all over these machines. All their grips are covered by these booklets/labels except one item. That is that the owners has to be a “responsible adult”!
Bacon is a cipher. It is not surprising he was moved to bravely weigh in on this subject. He refused to groundhog up long enough to debate his opponent last election and counseled others to do the same. What’s he hiding? He is a debate ducker, hiding from the electorate. Not fit to be in public office.
Bacon’s hero Luke Messer is maybe even a bigger puke than he is. I really hope the crazed Indiana Legislature is cleansed of those two next election. Perhaps then the healing of the bigot Pence’s Indiana can begin. Calls for local control, state’s rights, etc. is usually a thinly disguised bleat for unfettered bigotry. We’ve tried that, didn’t work, too many lynchings. Cashier Bacon.
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