California Unisex Restroom Law

Handicapped bathrooms have always been unisex.

Unisex bathrooms is a subject of much debate over safety and equality. It is recommended that restroom signage avoid any definitive gender symbols and remain neutral as not to offend anyone from different backgrounds or self-identifications.

Rules

Harassment issues play a role in unisex bathroom rules; no intercourse, harassment, voyeurism or any other form of inappropriate sexual or violent behavior is allowed on the premises. The usual restroom laws also apply, such as proper water temperatures, functioning toilets, electricity requirements, dryers, paper-towel dispensers and a maintained level of cleanliness.

Pros

According to the California Safe Schools Coalition, unisex bathrooms hope to lower the rates of discrimination based on the sexual identity of the user; a transgendered-female using a male's bathroom would no longer be an issue with a unisex restroom. Unisex bathrooms also allow parents and guardians to accompany young children of both sexes into the restroom at the same time to watch over them.

Cons

Inviting males and females to a communal restroom has raised the eyebrows of onlookers who feel this is an invasion of privacy. Questions of both sexual harassment and sexual rendezvous happening within a unisex bathroom have arisen with a negative response while others have voiced concern over child predators entering into a unisex bathroom.

References

• U.S. Department of Justice: 1991 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
• Transgender Law Center: Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth Recommendations For Schools
• University of California Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Intersex Association: Gender Neutral Restrooms