Gender-Neutral Bathrooms Could Become The Norm In RI

PORTSMOUTH, RI — The Rhode Island House of Representatives approved a bill that would remove gender designations from public, single-toilet restrooms.

Under the proposed law, the state's building codes would be amended to require that all restrooms with one toilet be available to use by people of any gender. The rule would apply to public facilities and "places of public accommodation," starting Jan. 1, 2022.

Rep. John Edwards, the bill's sponsor, said that gender-specific restrooms "can cause a great deal of anxiety for members of the transgender community."

"The reason for that anxiety is the verbal — and sometimes physical — harassment that many of them have experienced," Edwards said. "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 bill also calls for at least one single-use, gender-neutral restroom in all newly constructed state and municipal buildings opened after July 1, 2021.

The bill now heads to the Senate, where Sen. Melissa Murray sponsored companion legislation.