Transgender Sex Offender Argues Civil Rights Infringement in Locker Room Incident

Background

In Fairfax County, Virginia, 58-year-old Richard Cox, a transgender registered sex offender, was confronted by police on November 16, 2022, outside the Oakmont Rec Center. This incident occurred after Fairfax County initiated a process to ban Cox from all county rec centers upon discovering his criminal history.

Police Body Cam Footage

Video footage obtained by ABC7 News shows Cox’s interaction with the police. In the footage, Cox asserts that barring him from public facilities violates his civil rights. He equates his situation to the historical exclusion of Black people from certain places.

Cox maintains that he identifies as a transgender female and should be allowed to use women’s restrooms. He argues that the sex offender registry should not be used to prevent him from exercising his civil rights as a transgender person.

Mother’s Account

In September 2022, Virginia mother Jen McDougal reported seeing Cox naked in the middle of a locker room in Arlington, Virginia. McDougal described the incident as frightening and awkward. She was reportedly told by staff that nothing could be done due to Cox’s transgender status.

Criminal Charges and Legal Proceedings

Cox currently faces over 20 charges in Arlington related to alleged incidents of exposing himself to women and children at another fitness center and a high school. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March.

Cox’s Arguments

Cox contends that his inclusion on the sex offender registry is a misuse of the law. He believes it is akin to prohibiting Black people from public facilities based solely on their race.

He asserts that his civil rights as a transgender person allow him to use public facilities that align with his gender identity. He maintains that exercising his civil rights is not a criminal offense.

Fairfax County Response

Fairfax County has not yet responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Implications and Concerns

This incident raises questions about the intersection of transgender rights, public safety, and the protection of children. It highlights the need for a balance between respecting individual rights and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations.

The incident also underscores the importance of clear guidelines and policies regarding the use of public facilities by individuals with different gender identities.