Marylanders Argue Controversial Bathroom Law

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The fallout continues over a controversial bathroom law that keeps transgender people out of public restrooms.

Amy Yensi reports as calls for and against it grow louder in Washington and across the country, some are wondering if the law could come to Maryland.

Members of the LGBT community who spoke with WJZ say the bathroom law violates their rights.

London Blue is a transwoman and says she has every right to use the ladies' room.

"I just don't feel right walking in the men's bathroom when I classify myself as a transgender woman rather than a male," said Blue.

She says a bathroom law limiting the use of public restrooms to the gender on a person's birth certificate discriminates against transgender people.

The Republican-backed HB2 law has sparked protests in North Carolina. The state passed the measure a month ago.

Now, House Democrats are calling on Republicans to grant a hearing for federal LGBT protections.

"It's absolutely unacceptable. There is no right to discriminate, and we can't possibly codify discrimination into state, local or federal law," said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

Supporters of HB2 argue it only applies to government buildings and is designed to keep restrooms safe. They're asking lawmakers to ignore mounting pressure from major businesses that have moved jobs out of the state or from musicians who have canceled shows.

"Protect women and children. We are not afraid of transgender people, we're afraid of the sexual predators," said Penny Nance, CEO, Concerned Women for America.

Jubari Lyles runs the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Baltimore.

"Folks are trying to protect themselves and go to the restroom, and we are no more violent or predatory than anybody else in this country," said Lyles.

Mississippi and Tennessee also have bathroom laws. Thirty-four other states are considering similar bills.

North Carolina's governor has been adamant that the law only applies to public buildings, allowing private businesses to make their own decisions about restrooms.