Sexual Abuse Survivors Want Conservative Politicians To Knock It Off With 'Bathroom Predator' Myth

A coalition of 250 organizations working with sexual assault and domestic violence survivors are calling on conservative politicians to stop using rape as a scare tactic to discriminate against transgender people.

"Those who are pushing these proposals have claimed that these proposals are necessary for public safety and to prevent sexual violence against women and children," reads a statement the groups released on Thursday. "As rape crisis centers, shelters, and other service providers who work each and every day to meet the needs of all survivors and reduce sexual assault and domestic violence throughout society, we speak from experience and expertise when we state that these claims are false."

Proponents of North Carolina's controversial H.B. 2 law -- and similar proposed measures that are also considered to be discriminatory against LGBT citizens -- often argue that such legislation is important because men might otherwise enter women's restrooms and attack young girls. Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz alluded to that fear last week .

Many elected officials, law enforcement agencies and other experts have said there's little to no evidence supporting the "bathroom predator" myth.

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