PHOENIX, March 20 (UPI) -- Arizona state Rep. John Kavanagh said he backs a bill countering an anti-discrimination law allowing transgender people to use the bathroom of their choice.
The Phoenix City Council passed a law last month to broadly outlaw discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents. Some council members said Senate Bill 1432 is meant to rebuke the city's law, The Arizona Republic reported Tuesday.
"They're creating a solution to a problem that doesn't exist," said Councilman Tom Simplot. "This kind of extremist legislation is exactly what brings criticism to Arizona and compromises our work to make Phoenix an accepting and competitive city."
Cathi Herrod, president of the conservative Center for Arizona Policy, said the Phoenix law could mean sexual predators will share bathrooms with women and girls.
"This is about the person who will use gender identity or expression as their ruse to gain access to opposite-sex facilities," she said.
The senate bill is scheduled to be heard by the House Appropriations Committee Wednesday, the Phoenix-based newspaper said.
