CHEST issues a letter to the Visitors and Conventions Bureau in Texas regarding the "bathroom bills"

June 20, 2017

Dear Ms. Casandra Matej,

We have recently become aware of the reconsideration of the “bathroom bills.” This legislation would require transgender individuals to use restrooms in public schools, government buildings, and public universities based on "biological sex" and would preempt local nondiscrimination ordinances that allow transgender individuals to use the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity.

As you are also aware, the American College of Chest Physicians® (CHEST), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research, and team-based care, is slated to hold its annual meeting in October 2018 in San Antonio. The CHEST Annual Meeting draws more than 6,000 people to the host city, which equates to more than $35 million in revenues to the host city’s local economy.

CHEST is a diverse community of more than 19,000 members. This proposed legislation contradicts the welcoming and inclusive chest medicine community we desire to create and may negatively impact our community’s ability to come together at the CHEST Annual Meeting 2018 in San Antonio to share science and knowledge and to collaborate.

We, the leaders of the American College of Chest Physicians, urge the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau to leverage its voice to encourage legislators to vote down the “bathroom bills.”

Sincerely,

Stephen J. Welch
Executive Vice President & CEO
American College of Chest Physicians