BOSSIER PARISH, La. — The Bossier Parish Police Jury voted unanimously Wednesday to move forward with a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would restrict the use of parish-owned restrooms, locker rooms and changing facilities based on biological sex.
The proposal would amend Chapter 78, Article I, of the parish code. If ultimately adopted, it would criminalize someone to knowingly use a designated male or female restroom or similar facility in a parish-owned building that does not correspond with their biological sex.
Wednesday's meeting drew a large crowd to the Bossier Parish Courthouse, where supporters and opponents voiced sharply differing opinions before jurors voted to advance the proposal to a public hearing scheduled for Sept. 2. No final action was taken.
Under the proposed amendment, parish employees could deny access to a restroom if they believe a person is attempting to use a facility designated for the opposite biological sex. Anyone who refuses to comply could face criminal penalties, including fines or possible jail time.
Supporters said the measure is intended to protect the safety of women and children.
"My concern is the safety, the privacy, the intimacy that goes on in a restroom for a young lady," one supporter told the Police Jury. "If you want to have a transgender changing room or restroom, fine. But leave the rest of what works alone."
If approved, the ordinance would align parish policy with Louisiana's Women's Safety and Protection Act.
Opponents argued the proposal unfairly targets transgender residents.
"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," said Jazmine Carroll, an employee with The Philadelphia Center.
Peyton Rose Michelle, executive director of Louisiana Trans Advocates, also spoke against the proposal, saying transgender people already face challenges when accessing public restrooms.
"We're all just going in the bathroom to use the bathroom, wash your hands, look in the mirror and get out," Michelle said. "I think the narrative that we're going to go into the bathroom and do something bad is wrong."
Michelle said a letter urging the Police Jury to reject the amendment was sent to both the Bossier Parish Sheriff's Office and the Police Jury. According to Michelle, the letter was signed by 22 organizations and 277 individuals from across Louisiana.
The proposed ordinance includes several exceptions. It allows anyone to use single-occupancy restrooms in parish-owned buildings and permits a parent or guardian to accompany a minor child into a restroom designated for the opposite sex. It also allows someone to assist a person with a disability in a restroom designated for the opposite sex.
The Bossier Parish Police Jury will hold a public hearing on the proposed ordinance Sept. 2 before considering final adoption.
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