The Trans panic seems to be completely GOP top down driven. See article below:

[applegrove]

Conservative Dallas suburb overwhelmingly rejects anti-lgbt bathroom ordinance

by Kerry Eleveld at the Daily Kos

http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/5/3/1522715/-Conservative-Dallas-suburb-overwhelmingly-rejects-anti-LGBT-bathroom-ordinance

"SNIP..............


Public officials of a conservative enclave in Dallas almost unanimously repudiated an anti-transgender “bathroom” ordinance in a local battle that may help turn the corner on the discussion in Texas. John Wright has the details of Monday’s Rockwall City Council meeting:


First, nearly 100 LGBT activists gathered outside City Hall beforehand, in one of the largest pro-trans rallies in the state’s history.

Then, after several hours of emotional testimony and debate, council members overwhelmingly rejected a proposal from Mayor Jim Pruitt to criminalize some trans people for using restrooms according to their gender identity — and to require businesses to bar them from doing so.

Pruitt’s measure would have forced transgender individuals to use the bathroom that corresponds with the gender on their birth certificate. Businesses and individuals who didn’t comply faced fines of up to $500. Pruitt launched the proposal in response to Target’s common-sense policy of allowing people to use the bathroom and changing facilities they believe is appropriate for them. But he ultimately couldn’t find a single colleague to second his motion for a vote, despite using all the best scare tactics.




...............SNIP"

[HassleCat]

1. Can it be a "panic" if it's limited to a handful of zealots?

They would like it to be more widespread, of course. As of now it appears to concern only right wing legislators in a few states, a handful of demonstrators, some fundy preachers, and members of their flocks. Obviously, they gave scant thought to where this would lead: armed guards at restrooms demanding to see our birth certificate, and asking to see your genitals. The beautiful part when on of the enforcement people turns out to be gay or trans. What kind of law will that stimulate. The fun never ends.

[applegrove]

2. Sorry, 'attempted trans panic'.

[Initech]

3. They are trying to make it a wedge issue in the general election.

Here's what they don't know:

IT WILL BACKFIRE ON THEM BIG TIME.

This ain't the 2000 election. They can't run on a fear mongering smear campaign against the LGBT community anymore. I say try it.