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Several bills pertaining to transgender youth have been going through the legislature over the last few years and now a Valley family is suing Mesa Public Schools over the use of pronouns in schools.
Senate Bill 1511 introduced Thursday by Sen. Janae Shamp, a Republican, would require insurers who cover gender transition procedures to also cover detransitioning.
They were the elected officials who approved, by a 5-2 vote, Mesaâs new non-discrimination ordinance.
After two hours of public comments Monday â with supporters arguing it protected groups from discrimination and attackers contending it puts women and children at risk â Council had its chance to comment on the NDO, arguably the most controversial issue it has tackled in years.
Mayor John Giles said he appreciated the extensive comments, then he shot down one of the main complaints by those opposed.
The ordinance, he stressed, will not make Mesa restrooms fearful places where men posing as women will lurk.
âPrivacy is a reasonable concern,â Giles said. âAs a father of four daughters and grandfather I would never put them in danger.â
Some will be upset if the city excludes smaller businesses. The first draft included all businesses.Â
Later study sessions adjusted that, first up to businesses with 15 employees or more, then back down to include all but those with five or fewer employees.
Others are furious that the city is even considering the regulation.
David Land said he was outraged over language in the proposed ordinance that âGender identity means the actual or perceived gender-related identity, expression, appearance, or mannerisms, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, regardless of the individualâs designated sex at birth.â
An emotional Land stated the last part of that is wrong: âGod does not make mistakes,â he said.