The transgender bathroom rule in the state of Washington drew protests after a man undressed in front of women in a locker room at the Seattle Parks and Recreation, asserting that he had the right to do so.
The man entered the women's locker room at Evans Pool in Seattle last Feb. 8 and took off his shirt. The women called the staff, who asked the man to leave but he insisted that "the law has changed and I have a right to be here," USA Today reported.
"Seeing this individual in the locker room, parents of swim team members (girls) and women who had paid for lap swim became alarmed and alerted our front desk staff," said Seattle Parks spokesman David Takami, according to LifeSite News. "In response, an Evans pool staff member entered the women's locker room and asked the man to leave."
The man returned to the locker room while the girls were changing for swimming practice. No one was arrested.
Employees told USA Today that the man made no attempt to identify as a woman yet he cited the transgender bathroom rule.
"We have guidelines that allow transgender individuals to use restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity. We want everyone to feel comfortable in our facilities," Takami said.
Some people said the man used the law to peep at women.
"Either identify yourself as a transgender or you're not, and you're just taking advantage of a loophole," said MaryAnne Sato, a regular pool patron.
In 2012, a 45-year-old male lounged naked in a women's locker room in Olympia that were frequented by girls as young as six. The facility allowed him to use the facilities.
Opponents of the transgender bathroom rule protested at the Washington state capitol to share their stories of sexual assault.
"I think it's completely outrageous to allow mixed sex nudity in locker rooms," according to Jill Wade.
A woman, a victim of sexual assault, said the law could be used by predators.
"We're not here saying that the transgendered community are predators," she said. "We will never say that because we don't believe that. What we do believe is that this code is so poorly written that predators will abuse. We know it because we have lived it."
Supporters of the policy dismissed the concerns.
Houston Mayor Annelise Parker accused the policy's opponents of waging a campaign of fear mongering and deliberate lies when voters repealed the transgender bathroom ordinance.
Transgender activist Gunner Scott told KIRO radio that the fear raised "was a setup by opponents of LGBT equality to try to exploit the recent debate of basic rights of transgender youth."
