Co-ed Restrooms, Showers & Bathhouses Coming to Chicago

On Wednesday May 18, Mayor Rahm Emanuel introduced an amendment to a Chicago human rights ordinance that if passed would make it even easier for men to use women’s restrooms and other facilities in which private activities take place.

On Wednesday June 8, the Chicago City Council’s Human Rights Committee recommended approval by the whole city council. This Wednesday it moves to the full city council for a final vote.

The current ordinance is bad enough in that it allows gender dysphoric men and women to use opposite-sex facilities as long as they can provide falsified government documentation, such as driver’s licenses or passports, identifying them as the sex they are not.

The proposed amendment, also sponsored by members of Chicago’s lesbian, “gay,” “bisexual,” and “transgender” caucus, eliminates the requirement regarding government documentation. The amendment states that “‘sex’” includes both biological category and gender identity. Each person determines his or her own gender identity; no proof shall be required except his or her expression of his or her gender.”

The ordinance applies to restrooms, shower rooms, bathhouses, dressing rooms, health clubs, single-sex “sleeping rooms,” single-sex residential facilities (e.g., women’s shelters), and single-sex classes that are open to the public.

Kim Hunt, executive director of Pride Action Tank, claims that “This is a matter of human dignity and human rights.”

If gender dysphoric men who wish they were women are denied their human dignity and rights if they cannot shower with only women, then are actual women denied their human dignity and rights if they cannot shower with only women?

The Chicago City Council is voting on this dangerous amendment on Wednesday. If the public does not oppose this ordinance change with a loud and unequivocal voice, the city of Chicago will have co-ed restrooms and showers.

The end of sex-segregation everywhere continues apace.

Take Action:  Please take three minutes to look up your local Alderman HERE, then call or email them to express your opposition to this ordinance.