By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
The Bossier Parish Police Jury voted unanimously during its regular meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 5, to schedule a public hearing on Sept. 2 to consider an amendment to its restroom ordinance after concerns were raised over the public notice provided for the original vote.
The ordinance, titled “Establishing the Designation and Use of Restrooms, Changing Rooms, and Similar Facilities in Buildings Owned or Operated by the Bossier Parish Police Jury,” would amend Chapter 78 of the Bossier Parish Code of Ordinances regarding the designation and use of restrooms and similar facilities in parish-owned buildings.
The ordinance drew significant public interest, with several residents speaking during the meeting. Nearly 300 people also signed a letter opposing the measure, which was presented to the Police Jury. Those opposed included statewide transgender rights advocates as well as local residents who argued the ordinance could infringe on the dignity and privacy of restroom users, particularly transgender individuals, and could require parish employees to profile people using public facilities.
Jasmine Carroll, a lifelong Bossier Parish resident and former Air Force reservist, urged jurors to reconsider the ordinance, saying she believes it would have the opposite effect of what supporters intend.
“It instead infringes upon the freedoms of us as Americans,” Carroll said. “First off, I personally have never felt threatened or unsafe because of someone else using the restroom, as a girl, regardless of their appearance or gender identity.”
She continued by expressing concern for transgender friends and family members.
“This ordinance may not prevent me from using the restroom I primarily use, but it will severely impact the safety and dignity of my friends, colleagues and family members who are already in fear of being questioned, harassed or even attacked for using the restroom that they feel safest in.”
Beatriz Sibley was the only speaker to voice support for the ordinance. She told jurors her primary concern was protecting the privacy and safety of young girls.
“Girls go in there, they’re changing their clothes. A restroom is a place of safety,” Sibley said.
Sibley suggested that separate facilities be provided for transgender individuals while leaving existing men’s and women’s restrooms unchanged.
“My concern is the safety and privacy, the intimacy that goes on in a restroom for a young lady,” she said. “There is another alternative solution, and that is if you want to have a transgender restroom, fine. But leave the rest of the works alone. Girls in girls, boys in boys, and if you want a transgender restroom, go to another section and let those children make their own decisions on where they want to go.”
She concluded by saying the issue reflects broader changes in society.
“Yes, it does sadden me and concern me that it has come to this in our world. Our world nowadays is saying what’s right is wrong and what’s wrong is right.”
Following discussion, the Police Jury voted unanimously to set the public hearing for Wednesday, Sept. 2, when the ordinance will again be considered before any further action is taken.