Gov. Phil Scott signed a bill into law Friday that requires single-user public restrooms in Vermont to be designated gender neutral. The law, which takes effect July 1, is the latest approved on the state level amid a national debate about restroom access for people who identify as transgender or gender nonconforming.
Brenda Churchill, the Statehouse liaison for the LGBTQIA Alliance of Vermont, said the new law is a big step forward.
“Every Vermonter will now have more opportunity to be able to use a bathroom,” Churchill said.
Churchill noted that it isn’t deemed controversial when portable toilets at public events are not labeled by gender.
“Think of it this way: There’s more security now for people to find a place to go to the bathroom … we all have a basic need, and this is just the opportunity for everybody to take care of business,” she said.
Last month, most members of the House voted for the bill, while the Senate passed it unanimously.
House Speaker Mitzi Johnson (D-South Hero) said in a statement that some Vermonters have encountered problems as a result of gender-specific restrooms.
“I’ve heard heartbreaking stories of children afraid to use the restroom at school and Vermonters unable to find accommodation in public places,” Johnson said.
The legislation, H.333, does not apply to restrooms with multiple toilets in the same room, which can still be restricted by gender under state law.
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I thought single use bathrooms were already gender neutral.
BDE, it appears from your question that you do not know what reverse discrimination is.
That said, why label a bathroom “gender neutral”. Why not just “bathroom”?
If there is only 1 (one) bathroom in a place then that is a single bathroom meaning, either a male or a female can use it, it doesn’t mean that it’s just for women and men has to go outside and use the tree. Now if it was a bathroom that has 4-6 stalls in it then it should be labeled men or women, in other words, if you stand you need the one labeled men if you sit to pee you use the one labeled women’s. If it’s labeled gender neutral walk away…
Ok, I’m at a complete loss. What the hell has gotten into everyone? Re-label a single stall bathroom that is already unisex and can be used by everyone? Talk about a worthless “gesture”. In case you were wondering I am a progressive liberal and support non-discrimination, but how about actually doing something about the discrimination? WTF? And don’t tell me that this is a wonderful first step.