October sees enforcement of all-gender bathroom rules begin

By Luciano Marano • September 21, 2018 9:30 am
October sees enforcement of all-gender bathroom rules begin

The enforcement of updated signage requirements for single-occupant restrooms — and the right to universal access of public restrooms and on Bainbridge Island — begins on Monday, Oct. 1, according to a notice released by the city of Bainbridge Island earlier this week.

“The enactment of a gender-inclusive restroom ordinance, and the creation of a Human Rights section of our city’s Municipal Code, ensures that our community is providing basic and fundamental levels of dignity and respect to the transgender community,” said CouncilmanMatthew Tirman, who proposed the ordinance.

Ordinance No. 2018-07, which was passed by the city council on March 27 and took effect on April 4, with enforcement starting 180 days after the effective date, is designed to help achieve greater access to restrooms and public facilities for transgender and gender diverse people, city officials said.

It allows use of public restrooms and public facilities, such as locker rooms, by any person, regardless of sex or gender identity, and prevents those public spaces from being restricted to a specific sex or gender identity.

“Being involved closely with the LGBTQ community in Kitsap, this was a priority for me upon taking office,” Tirman said. “I am so grateful that this ordinance was passed unanimously by our council, and with gracious support from our city staff.”

The ordinance applies to public places on Bainbridge Island, including existing and future single-occupant bathrooms owned by all island taxing districts.

It requires all single-occupant restrooms in places of public accommodation (including hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and other retail establishments) to use appropriate signage to indicate the restrooms are designated for use by any person.

Potential violations of the code can be reported the city’s website.

City officials said the report should include the date the violation was observed, the location of the violation, the individual or entity responsible for the violation, and, where applicable, a photograph of the restroom signage that violates the code.