Ordinance has protected all without issue

Trans-women are not men and have been going about their business in Sandpoint restrooms and locker rooms for at least 50 years that I know of. True, the YMCA missed the opportunity for a teachable moment, however aside from that, nothing else of note actually happened during the recent “incident” at their facility.

For 13 years, Sandpoint’s NDO has protected residents and visitors without issue. Today, however, it’s under attack, fueled in part by national efforts spending millions of dollars on political ads and policies that seek to use LGBTQ+ identities as wedges to divide communities. Sandpoint’s non-discrimination ordinance helps ensure that every person, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, has equal opportunity to visit, live, work, and participate fully in community events

Repeal creates legal uncertainty rather than clarity. It would make protections dependent on shifting federal court interpretations subject to the political leanings of future administrations and judicial appointments. Currently, Sandpoint residents and visitors know exactly what protections they have under local law — the ordinance clearly defines prohibited acts and provides predictable local mediation and resolution.

Preserving this ordinance would have meant protecting Sandpoint’s core values of fairness, dignity, and equal treatment for all and helps it remain a welcoming destination for visitors.

ROBYN EDWARDS

Bayview