TSA Agents Grope Without Consequence

Apparently knowingly and recklessly groping airplane passengers, in the name of safety, is fair game in our country.

The Texas government attempted to pass a bill prohibiting TSA agents in airports from intentionally touching flyers’ private areas while examining for safety. Unfortunately, the bill that was cleared by the Texas House of Representatives on a unanimous vote was withdrawn on Tuesday after causing quite the stir in the federal government. Threatening to prohibit any flights from taking off with the bill passed, Washington won this battle. If the TSAs were not allowed to pat down, then no airplane could take off.

The bill would have proposed charging TSA agents who, “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly [touch] the anus, sexual organ, buttocks, or breast of the other person, including touching through clothing, or touching the other person in a manner that would be offensive to a reasonable person.” I don’t think any “reasonable” person would appreciate having their anus recklessly  touched.

I could see the danger with the risks involved surrounding an unproper full body search of suspicious passengers, but the bill does not say “all touching.” It distinctly proclaims that “intentional, knowingly, or reckless touching” is prohibited. Touching that is extraneous and painful or overly invasive in a sexual manner is really what the issue is here. The federal government’s concern with airport security and safety is understandable, but I also understand that being groped and fingered by a man or woman whom I do not know sounds quite a bit like molestation or sexual assault. There is a fine line between intentional and unintentional inappropriate touching, so this bill adds more pressure for TSAs to proceed with sexual caution.

Also, with advances in safety technology, X rays are used in airport security now, allowing almost anything hidden in or around the body to be quickly detected. Why is there still a need for body cavity searches and invasive touching if we have asexual machines to do it instead? There may not be a reason soon and I think this is why the bill was attempted.

Safety is obviously a priority when it comes to flying, but should not be at the expense of our comfort and private parts. Creating a bill criminalizing TSA agents who take the job a bit too far is only looking out for our personal safety. Their job is to search for weapons or drugs, not take liberties.

Contact the author here: crazycolleen@morningquickie.com