So far 13 states have condemned Barack Obama’s unconstitutional overreach in attempting to require transgender-friendly restrooms, showers and locker rooms in all public places.
Most of the fracas began in North Carolina, where the state’s new HB2 law – requiring people to use restrooms consistent with their biological sex – was immediately challenged by the Justice Department. North Carolina immediately filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department for executive overreach.
Advertisement - story continues below
In the same week, Obama issued a “guidance letter,” (a threat, really) to all public schools that they must allow transgender students and staff to use whichever restroom they please.
Stop the censors, sign up to get today's top stories delivered right to your inbox
Other states jumped on board, defending North Carolina and the state’s rights to set these guidelines themselves without federal interference. At the very least, they want Congress to establish guidelines and not the Executive Branch.
At the state GOP convention in Greensboro, Sen. Ralph Hise had a message for Obama and his Justice Department: “You picked the wrong state to start this fight with.”
Texas was one of the first states to stand with North Carolina. Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted his support:
Advertisement - story continues below
I announced today that Texas is fighting this. Obama can't rewrite the Civil Rights Act. He's not a King. #tcot https://t.co/vDgfQPZXjR
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 13, 2016
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick agreed:
Texas Lt. Gov. @DanPatrick on Obama administration guidance on transgender bathrooms: "We will not be blackmailed" https://t.co/28tFsicoo8
— CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) May 13, 2016
Advertisement - story continues below
Gov. Asa Hutchinson told his schools to disregard Obama’s rules:
As Gov., I recommend that school districts disregard @POTUS's “guidance” on gender identification in schools. >> https://t.co/mFxgtOcbml
— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) May 13, 2016
Alabama followed suit, saying Obama’s order was “absurd.”
Alabama AG Luther Strange vows to fight 'absurd' Obama order on transgender school bathrooms https://t.co/VnCUcZ6jSz
— AL.com (@aldotcom) May 13, 2016
So did Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.
Advertisement - story continues below
Kentucky stood with the side of States’ Rights as well.
Our statement regarding Obama's proposed bathroom rules for public schools: https://t.co/50Zg6PqXOY
— Matt Bevin (@MattBevin) May 13, 2016
So far, eight other states have signed on to a case asking an appeals court to re-hear a case where it sided with a Virginia transgender student seeking to use a boys bathroom. Those state are West Virginia, Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Utah, Maine and North Carolina.
Advertisement - story continues below