Quote"I am appalled by the callous consideration of citizen complaints by our city commissioners and by public officials misrepresenting the efforts of petitioners as being discriminatory and bigoted," Magruder told the Witness.

"I could not stand by and watch public officials place citizens in situations that would compromise their safety and their consciences," he added.

Magruder stressed it is the defenders of the gender identity provision who "continue to make this a discrimination issue."

Instead, "This effort has been only about the protection and safety of our citizens, especially ladies and girls who would be exposed to males in public restrooms and locker rooms," he said.

Gary Crawford, pastor of Westside Baptist Church, told the Witness he supports repeal of the gender identity provision "because the ordinance opposes biblical morality, is contrary to community values, opens the door for abuse, is costly to business community, and lacks common sense."

Members of Westside have been educated about the issue "from the pulpit" and by other means, including the establishment of a church-based "Current Issues Committee," Crawford said.