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Tacoma City Council Passes Inclusive Labeling of Single-Occupancy Restroom Requirement

The Tacoma City Council approved an ordinance Tuesday night to require businesses, government buildings and other publicly accessible spaces to use signage that labels existing and new single-occupancy restrooms as gender-inclusive. 

“This ordinance, as little as it seems, is crucial and necessary for so many in our communities that face harassment on a regular basis,” said Pride at Work President Jen Haggard. “I am so proud to have stood alongside engaged, smart and dedicated community leaders, and I am proud of our City Council for taking this action to show that they value and respect the gender diverse people of our city. There is much work yet to do, and I believe that if we keep showing up and taking risks, together we will make Tacoma stronger.”

The ordinance will take effect June 1, 2019.

“This is an important first step that addresses the fear and discomfort that our transgender and non-binary community, as well as children and those with disabilities, sometimes feel in public spaces,” said Council Member Ryan Mello.

The City’s Human Rights Commission, in collaboration with Pride at Work, to address the needs and rights of individuals who identify as transgender and non-binary and remove institutional and systematic barriers to accessing public spaces, championed the ordinance.

“I want to thank Pride at Work, the Human Rights Commission, and the Office of Equity and Human Rights for working together to bring this vital legislation forward,” Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards said. “All members of our community should be able to retain a sense of safety and dignity when they are out shopping, attending a show, or seeking medical care in the city of Tacoma.”

The City will be conducting a survey to determine how many restrooms this will impact and launch an outreach and education effort to notify affected organizations and businesses.

More information about the City’s Office of Equity and Human Rights is available at cityoftacoma.org/OEHR.