ODESSA, TX - The Odessa City Council has approved an ordinance requiring individuals to use restrooms in specific city buildings that correspond to the gender on their birth certificate.
The new rule, passed Tuesday night, applies to public facilities including the Odessa Municipal Court, Police Department, and Fire Rescue stations.
The ordinance has not yet been assigned an effective date, and reactions from residents have been divided. It's being reported that large crowds gathered at the council meeting, where Odessa citizens voiced contrasting opinions on the measure.
Opponents voiced concerns over the impact on the LGBTQ community, describing the measure as a step backward for inclusivity in West Texas. Supporters, however, framed the ordinance as a safety measure, citing concerns that unregulated restroom access could lead to conflicts.
Under the ordinance, violators could face a $500 fine and a Class C misdemeanor.
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