Churches Sue Over Massachusetts Transgender Bathroom Law

FILE- In this Aug. 23, 2007, file photo, a sign marks the entrance to a gender-neutral restroom at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vt. Nearly all of the nation's 20 largest cities, including New York City, h... FILE- In this Aug. 23, 2007, file photo, a sign marks the entrance to a gender-neutral restroom at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vt. Nearly all of the nation's 20 largest cities, including New York City, have local or state nondiscrimination laws that allow transgender people to use whatever bathroom they identify with, though a debate has raged around the topic nationwide. Bill de Blasio, a Democrat, signed an executive order on Monday, March 7, 2016, that guarantees people access to single-sex facilities consistent with their gender identity at city facilities, including offices, pools and recreation centers, without the need to show identification or any other proof of gender. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot, File) MORE LESS

BOSTON (AP) — A conservative Christian organization has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new Massachusetts law that prohibits discrimination against transgender people in public restrooms.

Alliance Defending Freedom filed the lawsuit Tuesday on behalf of four Massachusetts churches to protect their right to operate their facilities “in a manner that doesn’t violate their core religious beliefs.”

The law allows transgender people to use restrooms that correspond with their gender identity.

The lawsuit says that because Democratic Attorney General Maura Healey has found that churches are places of public accommodation, it would force them to open shower facilities and restrooms based on perceived gender identity.

The lawsuit asks the court to suspend enforcement of the law against the churches while their lawsuit proceeds.

A spokeswoman for Healey’s office did not immediately provide comment.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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  1. I think I already know the answer to this, but could they please explain what they mean by ‘core religious beliefs?’ Because I don’t remember seeing the word ‘bathroom’ anywhere in the Bible…although I think the concept of ‘love thy neighbor’ is in there somewhere

  2. Avatar for imkmu3 imkmu3 says:

    Trying to remain calm.
    Really, truly trying.
    Honestly…thinking calm thoughts.
    Flowers…kittens…
    Melodious voices…
    John Stewart’s choir…
    No! Not that… It’s in my head…it’s…it’s…

    Go Fuck Yourself Alliance Defending Freedom! Go Fuck Yourself!

    Sorry, it’s John Stewart’s fault.

  3. It’s part of Two Corinthians.

  4. In sincerely doubt that any “Christian” church can justify bigotry using the words of the church’s founder. But then, I doubt they could even justify their existence using such words. Jesus was about believing, loving, and doing the right thing, and he had little use for some “church” using his existence to fleece the flock.

  5. Don’t be silly, Adam and Eve did not have to pee or poop…they were perfect.

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