SEATTLE -- The Seattle City Council unanimously voted Monday to require all city-controlled and privately operated places of public accommodation to designate single-stall restrooms as all-gender facilities.
The ordinance will amend the Seattle Municipal Code so that single-occupant restrooms will no longer be restricted to a specific sex or gender identity.
According to the city, single-occupant restrooms in city facilities and all public accommodations (including restaurants, coffee shops, stores, etc.) must have signage that makes it clear that they are not gender exclusive and allow use by any person regardless of sex or gender identity, rather than just “men” or “women.”
“The action taken today by the City Council will make Seattle a more welcoming place for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation,” Mayor Ed Murray said in a news release.
“No one should live in fear when they use basic accommodations most of us take for granted. That’s why we sent this legislation to the Seattle City Council. I applaud the Council for taking this important step to provide respect and safety for members of the transgender community," he said.