OPINION: Potty police? No, we're protecting women

If you want to avoid meaningful debate and the search for solutions, just hurl insults and make as much useless noise as possible. That’s what the radical leftists in our state have chosen to do on the issue of men using the women’s restroom. Instead of having compassion for the legitimate concerns of women employees and visitors in the Capitol, House Speaker Javier Martinez and Senate President Mimi Stewart not only sidestepped the issue but even tried to pivot the conversation to Donald Trump and some unrelated federal legislation. On the contrary, we as Republicans will continue to advocate for the safety and security of women in New Mexico.

Now, no one is interested in being the “potty police,” but we are rightly concerned about the sexual assault epidemic against women in our state. Depending on the study, we are told that 25% to 40% of New Mexico women have reported being sexually assaulted. (Keep in mind: That figure is only reported instances, this number is certainly much higher.)

When nature calls, the biological female working in or visiting the state Capitol building doesn't care about the politics of gender ideology. But they expect a higher level of privacy and security while using the restroom facilities.

The progressive allegiance to the transgender political agenda seeks to dismiss the real fears of hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans. The concern is simple: Once we open the women's restroom doors to biological males, we increase the risk that some women will be accosted — or worse, assaulted — by a man in the ladies’ room.

Almost all women in New Mexico have personal experience with sexual assault, either directly or through close relationships (sister, mother, daughter, etc.). The very presence of a biological male in their restroom can therefore be alarming and can even reactivate a woman’s PTSD. This is not about any person's self-identification; this is about protecting the women of New Mexico.

We must be real with one another and accept the fact that changing times call for adapted policies. My wish is for every New Mexican to have a sense of privacy and security while using the restroom. Clearly, some people identify as transgender, but the vast majority of people identify with their naturally-born gender. It’s only common sense then to suggest that the small minority use a private "single-use" facility, while the majority are able to utilize the larger restroom facilities without fear. That’s all I hoped that a new policy would require.

Instead of dodging the issue or insulting those suggesting some common sense, the Democrats who claim to be the "party for women" ought to take a stand and truly work with us to address this issue rather than abandon the concerned women of New Mexico. Until then, rest assured, Republicans will continue the fight for your daughters, wives, sisters and mothers.