The leader of a pro-LGBT group has resigned after her daughters were left “visibly frightened” when three transsexuals used the women’s bathroom.
Maya Dillard Smith left the American Civil Liberties Union’s (ACLU) Georgia division, citing ‘philosophical’ differences.
She has gone on to set up a website entitled “Finding Middle Ground” to consider the issue.
Concerned about safety
Dillard Smith said that she recently took her young daughters into a women’s bathroom and then “three transgender young adults, over six feet with deep voices, entered”.
“My children were visibly frightened, concerned about their safety and left asking lots of questions for which I, like many parents, was ill-prepared to answer”, she added.
Later, when she raised questions over the ACLU’s position on the issue, she was met with hostility.
Robust debate
“There are real concerns about the safety of women and girls in regards to this bathroom debate”, she said. “It seems to me that instead of stifling the dialogue, we want to encourage a robust debate to come up with an effective solution.”
Last month the Obama administration told state schools to let pupils use the male or female toilets, changing rooms and showers of their choice, or face withdrawal of federal funds.
However, Georgia is one of eleven states which is challenging the order.
Clear position
The ACLU – while declining to discuss Dillard Smith’s resignation – maintained its position.
James Esseks, from the group, stated: “When it comes to single-sex spaces and activities, the ACLU has a clear position: transgender people can use facilities and participate in activities that match who they are”.
