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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-16-17 Public Comment - R. Bennett - I-183 Bathroom BillFrom:Richard Bennett To:Agenda Subject:Bozeman City Commission action to join ACLU in lawsuit to prohibit voting on Locker Room Privacy Act ballot initiative Date:Monday, October 16, 2017 2:16:15 PM Importance:High Dear Mayor Taylor and City Commissioners, I was not able to attend the hearing last Monday on the Bozeman City Commission action to join ACLU in lawsuit to prohibit voting on Locker Room Privacy Act ballot initiative. I am submitting this email as written testimony that I wasn’t able to present in person. You should know that the ACLU of Montana has already asked the Montana Supreme Court to rule that the Locker Room Privacy Act couldn’t be on the ballot. The Supreme Court refused. The ACLU asked the Court to rule that signatures already gathered be thrown out. Again, the Montana Supreme Court refused. Also, the Supreme Court declined to adopt the ACLU’s proposed ballot statement language and rejected the argument that the initiative didn’t protect privacy. High school girls should not have to shower in front of a boy, even if he thinks he’s a girl. The Montana Locker Room Privacy Act is about protecting the privacy, safety, and dignity of all Montanans when we’re in a place where we have to be undressed, especially for women and girls. The ballot initiative is to give all Montanans the right to decide on whether or not they want the privacy, safety, and dignity of all Montanans protected. So, no matter what the ACLU’s arguments are for a second lawsuit, if the Commission votes to join the ACLU lawsuit, the Commissioners are going on record that they want to deny all Montanans the right to vote on this ballot initiative. Simply stated, that is what the Commission is doing. Do you really want to go on record that you want to deny the right to vote by the citizens that you represent? Thank you for your service and for seriously considering my testimony. Richard W. Bennett 1612 West Olive, #5 Bozeman, MT 59715 Tel: 406.582.8230 Mailto:rwbennett@truevine.net Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NIV Confidentiality Notice: The electronic mail and/or documents accompanying this transmission contain confidential information belonging to the sender which is legally privileged. The information is intended only for the individual(s) or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please immediately notify us by email or telephone to arrange for return or to destroy the original document. Thank You.