Committee OKs Santa Fe gender-neutral restroom proposal

SANTA FE, N.M. — A proposal to establish gender-neutral restrooms in Santa Fe has passed one hurdle.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that Mayor Javier Gonzales’ initiative barely passed Monday before a City Council committee.

The public works committee voted 3-2 in favor of the restrooms, which are designed to cater to the transgender community.

The proposed ordinance calls for businesses and government buildings to label single-occupancy restrooms as family restrooms that could be used by anyone, regardless of gender. The designation would not apply to restrooms with multiple stalls.

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The proposal includes an added provision in which the city would study how much it would cost to give family restroom signs to businesses.

Gonzales, who is openly gay, first announced his proposal during his State of the City address in February.