Retail chain Target has already been widely criticized for its transgender bathroom policy, but now Walgreens stores are following in Target’s footsteps.
The Christian Post reports that Walgreens is now allowing individuals to use the restroom that corresponds to their gender identity instead of with their biological sex.
"All individuals have a right to use restroom facilities that correspond to the individual's gender identity, regardless of the individual's sex assigned at birth," states the new directive.
"Walgreens family of companies subscribes to a policy of non-discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression/presentation,” it continues.
The new policy was put into practice after an incident occurred last summer in which a woman who was dressed like a man was told she had to use the men’s restroom. The woman, who does not identify as transgender, complained about the incident and said she was humiliated by it.
Walgreens has been ranked as one of the most LGBT-friendly places to work.
Although the policy has been praised by the ACLU and LGBT rights groups, others have expressed concern that the policy may increase incidents of assault and harassment by men who may abuse it.
Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Publication date: February 9, 2018
