In West Hollywood, the City Council unanimously approved a measure requiring gender-neutral bathrooms in new construction or renovated businesses.
Since 2014, all single-stall restrooms in the city have had to display the “gender-neutral” label; however, this is the first time the requirement has extended to new multi-stalls facilities.
“I noticed in my conversations that multi-stall gender-neutral bathrooms are kind of the future,” said Council member John M. Erickson. “It’s easier. Going to the bathroom should just be going to the bathroom.”
Current businesses will not be affected by the new measure, which takes effect on January 1, unless they undergo significant renovations.
Recently, discussions about who uses public restrooms have grown significantly in popularity in West Hollywood.
According to Erickson, ensuring everyone feels safe using public restrooms should always be the top priority.
Data shows that no crimes have been reported in West Hollywood’s gender-neutral bathrooms, and Erickson contends that right-wing fear-mongering is to blame for any pushback.
“This is about going to the bathroom at the end of the day,” he said. “If we allow science and data to rule our decision, then we know that multi-stall gender-neutral bathrooms are not only safe but the future for the world and the country.”
