Recently, many traditionalists have been verbally attacking those who identify as transgender because they have been using public bathrooms that do not match the sex they were assigned to at birth. These people’s ideology is both harmful and misguided.

    Not long ago, the Obama administration required all public schools to allow transgender students to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity. The president made the decision in order to protect the dignity and safety of all children, transgender or not. The administration had intended to do what was best for the security of children and of the community.

    Some people are trying to impeach Obama because they believe he overstepped his bounds with this decision. President Obama has defended his administration’s decision, which added more fuel to the national debate over transgender rights.

    Several states have decided to go against the president’s decision, such as North Carolina. Lawmakers within this state gathered together for a special session and banned local anti-discrimination policies. While this legislation working against the transgender bathroom laws makes it seem as though America is moving backwards, the people who support these laws “supposedly” have good reason to deny transgenders’ equality and civil rights.

    One of the main reasons they oppose President Obama’s decision is because the want to keep children safe from perverts. They believe that allowing transgenders to use the bathroom of their choice will allow rapists to easily use them as well. Still, law or no law, there is nothing to prevent malicious people from committing crimes. Fear is no basis to deny anyone their rights.

    Additionally, many are afraid the law is setting a bad example for kids. They suspect that their kids will become transgender as well. However, a year ago in Massachusetts, a law similar to President Obama’s was passed that allowed transgender freedoms, and the amount of transgender children has not increased. No child became confused, the world did not end, and the sky did not fall.

    Even segregated bathrooms were a recent phenomenon, so it is questionable whether these people against transgender freedoms even have a point. The time is right for a cultural revolution and society should lean towards equality, and laws granting freedoms should be passed.