Gender-Neutral Bathroom Bill Heads to RI Governor's Desk

PROVIDENCE, RI — A bill requiring single-use restrooms to be designated for all genders is headed to the Rhode Island governor's desk.

The bill would amend the state's building code, requiring that single-use restrooms in public buildings to be made available for people of all genders by Jan. 1, 2022.

"Gender-specific restrooms can cause a great deal of anxiety for members of the transgender community," said Representative John Edwards, the bill's sponsor. "The reason for that anxiety is the verbal — and sometimes physical — harassment that many of them have experienced. This bill would simply strip single-user bathrooms of any gender designation, which will go a long way toward improving the mental health of members of the transgender and non-binary community. This is an important step for the state to take in providing for the inclusion of all its residents."

The changed policy would take effect for newly constructed buildings on July 1, requiring at least one single-use, gender-neutral restroom per facility.

"This bill ensures safe and inclusive access to restroom facilities in public places for all people," said Senator Melissa Murray, the Senate sponsor. "It’s not just beneficial for the safety of transgender and non-binary people, it also helps people with a variety of medical conditions. This is a very simple effort that will make things fair and equitable for all people."

The bill now only needs a signature from Gov. Dan McKee to become law.