The Couples for Christ Foundation for Family and Life (CCF-FFL) has raised security concerns on the proposal to open women restrooms for the use of transgenders.
In a statement, the local Catholic charismatic lay community opposed the idea, saying it will expose women to possible abuse.
It cited instances abroad wherein transgender women–biological men who claim to be, or identify as women–have sexually assaulted women and young girls in restrooms.
“Transgender women claim the right to use a comfort room of their choice. Well, what about the rights of women and girls, who are not safe in such a situation?” CCF-FFL said in a statement.
The CCF-FFL also opposed the passage of the sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (Sogie) bill, which it claimed will “stifle any critical speech” against transgenders.
In a media forum on Sunday, Gretchen Custodio Diez, a transgender woman, addressed the issue, such concern by groups is unfounded since transgenders tend to be more reserved and compliant with laws.
“There are many transwomen like myself, who already use the women’s restrooms . . . but have we heard of any incident of a transwoman, who harassed, abused, quarrelled or stepped on the rights of others?” Diez said.
“There is no such incident because we know we are already judged by the people so we are more careful with our words and any move in society. Usually, we are the victims,” she added.
Diez recently drew attention after filing charges against the Farmers Plaza management and a janitress for allegedly violating Quezon City’s Gender Fair Ordinance.
The janitress barred Diez from using a women’s restroom at the Farmers Plaza in Cubao last week, and later had Diez detained by the police for taking a video of the incident.
The incident prompted some lawmakers to call for the immediate passage of the Sogie bill.
1 comment
Their claims of trans women attacking women is a lie. This journalist should have fact checked; the incidence of rapists wearing a “trans” disguise is so rare it’s negligible, and they are certainly not trans women. Religious groups have always preyed upon queer anxieties to get their own way.