The city council in Oxford, Alabama voted yesterday to recall an ordinance that drew national outrage making bathroom use based on gender identity.

The law was thought to be the first in the country to threaten violators of the new bathroom rules with criminal penalties with fines up to $500 or as many as six months in jail for the misdemeanor.

During a special meeting last night, council members voted 3-2 to repeal the law.

Eva Walton Kendrick, the Alabama State Director for the national LBQT advocacy group Human Rights Campaign said, "This sends a welcome message of inclusion to Oxford's families, businesses and visitors, and sets an example for other communities that may be considering similar legislation."

Reuters reported that Oxford's lawmakers said although local media initially supported the measure appeared to shift their opinions in the wake of growing opposition. The American Civil Liberties Union and the Southern Poverty Law Center had threatened legal action if the measure was not reversed.

 

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