Mayor: Make single-occupancy restrooms 'all-gender,' not just man or woman

SEATTLE -- All single-occupancy restrooms in the city, from government buildings to private coffee shops, could soon lose their gender designations and be labeled "all-gender facilities."

On Wednesday, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray introduced legislation that would require all City-controlled and privately operated places to designate existing or future single-occupant restrooms as all-gender facilities. Single-occupancy restrooms in city spaces, restaurants, coffee shops and stores will would lose their "men" or "women" designation.

The proposal is in an effort to "guarantee safe access to public restrooms for transgender, gender non-conforming communities," Murray said.

"The transgender community deserves the dignity and respect that most people take for granted," Murray said. "That's why Seattle is building upon our history of being one of the most welcoming cities in the world by ensuring restrooms are available and safe for all."

The proposal is recommended by the mayor's LGBT taskforce. If enacted, the law would amend city code that allows for restrictions on the single-occupancy washrooms.

Current law protects a person's right to use a restroom consistent with their gender identity. However, the mayor said use of gender-segregated restrooms often creates unnecessary risk for some.