Katie Grayton
Remarks
Press Conference - Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Great Hall, State House - Boston, MA
My name is Katie Grayton and I'm 16 years old.
As a young woman in today's world, safety and
privacy are concerns of mine. Aware of the dangers that exist, I
avoid being out alone, especially at night, and I take measures
to protect myself against things like internet predators.
I care about the rights of all people. However,
as a young woman I especially understand and relate to the right
of safety and privacy young that woman need.
Permitting anybody into any restroom or locker
room does not make the world less discriminatory. What it does do
is prevent me and other young women from using a public bathroom,
locker room, or shower room without fear or embarrassment.
One sexual assault is one too many and I think
there should be laws made to lower the chances of this happening-not
create opportunities for it. Although it is unfortunate, we must
recognize there are corrupt people in this world. Why give them
that temptation? That is an extreme example but there would be other
consequences as well.
I cannot imagine what would happen if boys
could freely go into girls bathrooms for pranks. This is especially
significant in schools or places where many teens hang out. This
bill would create embarrassing, annoying and dangerous situations.
There is a time and place for protecting the
privacy rights of all people. I urge the legislator to support the
rights of the young woman in your lives. I ask that you please support
the rights of my friends, the rights of my little sister, and my
rights. Please vote against this bill.
