Ethics LGBT

The “Show Me Your Papers Before You Go Potty” Bill

Arizona Republicans are considering a bill that would punish you with six months in jail if you use the wrong — or more specifically what they say is wrong — bathroom.

PHOENIX (AP) — A prominent Republican lawmaker in Arizona wants to link public bathroom use to birth certificates in what civil rights advocates are calling the nation’s toughest anti-transgender measure.

The bill would require people to use public restrooms, dressing rooms or locker rooms associated with the sex listed on their birth certificate or face six months in jail. [...]

With more people identifying as transgender, state and local governments are increasingly banning gender-identity discrimination to ward off legal battles, but opponents and proponents alike complain the laws don’t explicitly demand businesses provide equal access for transgender people, creating confusion over how governments, restaurants, clothing stores and other establishments must act.

According to the Associated Press, the local Arizona press has dubbed this the “Show Me Your Papers Before You Go Potty” bill, which I couldn’t have come up with myself.

The idea of telling transgender persons that they’re using the wrong bathroom is offensive, and using the power of government to police and punish them for their supposed bathroom trespasses is ridiculous. Shouldn’t we focus resources on real criminals rather than finding new ways to turn innocent citizens who are minding their own business into new criminals?

But, you know, limited government! Small government! Or something. Small enough to fit in the bathroom.