(MT. VERNON, IL) —  Sheriff Travis Allen held a press conference Friday at the Jefferson County Justice Center to address the media in response to President Barack Obama’s Transgender Bathroom Directive. Local citizens have approached the Sheriff to provide a voice and there are petitions being circulated that are in opposition of the directive. Allen indicated that it was important to note that the intent of the opposition was not as discrimination toward the LGBT community, but rather in regards of public safety. “This is a blatant disregard of public safety,” Allen said. Allen indicated that this directive opens the door for pedophiles and sexual offenders to freely use a restroom of choice and victimize children. He was joined at the conference by local citizen Christie Massey and Chaplain Dan Lovin. Allen indicated that the jail population and federal funding at the Justice Center could potentially be impacted by not complying with the directive.