The Illinois Senate has made changes to a bill regarding gender-neutral restrooms in Springfield. The amendment now stipulates that these bathrooms should not include urinals.
Since 2020, Illinois has mandated that all single-occupancy bathrooms in public buildings, which are defined as rooms with only one sink, toilet stall, and urinal that can be locked, must be designated for all genders.
House Bill 1286, also known as the Equitable Restrooms Act, aims to prioritize the privacy, safety, and gender inclusivity of all Illinois residents and visitors.
Any gender-neutral toilet stall under the proposed law must meet specific requirements. These include having dividers to ensure privacy, a functioning lock on the door, vending machines that dispense menstruation supplies, and a small trash can inside the stall.
In March, the Illinois House passed the bill, which later advanced to the Senate. In the Senate, the bill underwent an amendment that stipulated the need for fully enclosed stalls and the removal of urinals.
According to The Center Square, Senator Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) justified the decision by stating that they took into consideration the concerns of individuals who might be offended by the presence of a urinal in public restrooms. The aim is to address these concerns and ensure that everyone feels comfortable.
According to the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, this legislation is crucial for businesses throughout the state. Many retailers have already implemented policies for gender-neutral bathrooms.