Some male-female restrooms in San Francisco could soon go the way of the dodo if one politician has his way.
San Francisco Supervisor David Campos is calling for legislation that would require all single-person restrooms within the city to be designated gender-neutral. Under the proposed ordinance, city-owned buildings with more than five multi-stall bathrooms would also be required to label one stall as available to members of any sex.
"Going to the bathroom should not be something that threatens the people of San Francisco," Campos said at a news conference Monday. His efforts were praised by transgender advocates who say gender-specific restrooms contribute to the confusion, alienation and harassment often experienced by transgender individuals.
Given the city’s positive track record on LGBT issues, it’s a wonder similar legislation wasn’t proposed before now. If the measure is ultimately approved, San Francisco will join the likes of Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Austin, West Hollywood, Berkeley and New York. Campos’ proposal would take the effort one step further, however, by establishing strong enforcement mechanisms, including a formal complaint process handled through the Human Rights Commission.
Read more about Campos' push here.