August 14, 2017
I am writing to join my voice with that of many other faith leaders in opposition to Texas SB3, the so-called bathroom bill. This legislation is unnecessary – there already are laws that make it a crime to enter a bathroom with the intention of harming someone or invading privacy. It is dangerous because it is based in fear and lack of understanding – it targets some of the most vulnerable Texans for discrimination. Already in 2017 there have been 16 murders of transgender people in the United States. Finally, this legislation is unenforceable. But most of all, it is an offense against the human dignity of transgender people, painting them as somehow dangerous to the rest of us. We are commanded by God to love our neighbors as ourselves, indeed, as God loves us. This bill will foster hate, not love. I urge the legislature to defeat this bill.
The Rt. Rev. J. Scott Mayer
Provisional Bishop
Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth