Dallas suburb rejects restrictions on public bathrooms

Rockwall TX City Council rejects mayor's attempt to limit transgender person's access to bathrooms.

Rockwall, Texas (AP) — A Dallas suburb has rejected its mayor's proposal targeting transgender people from using the public bathrooms of their choice.

Rockwall's city council on Monday night voted down an ordinance that would require all people to use restrooms based on the gender listed on their birth certificate. The proposal resembles a law approved earlier this year in North Carolina.

Mayor Jim Pruitt argued an ordinance was necessary to prevent predators from hiding in opposite-gender bathrooms. But opponents say the proposal is unnecessary and discriminatory.

The other five members of the council on Monday night questioned the need for the bill.

The bill ultimately was rejected after Pruitt's request for a vote failed to receive a second.

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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – May 3, 2016 @ 7:35 a.m.