Politics & Government

Princeton's Gender Neutral Bathroom Law Is Now In Effect

The ordinance passed in July 2019 requires all publicly-accessible​ buildings with single-occupant restrooms to have appropriate signage.

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton's unisex or gender neutral bathroom law is now in effect. The new ordinance was passed in July 2019 by the council "to ensure that its citizens and visitors are treated with dignity and freedom from discrimination."

The ordinance requires that all single stall restrooms in any publicly-accessible buildings be unisex or available to everyone without regard to sex or gender identity.

"The designation of unisex all-gender restroom facilities allows people to have greater access to toilet facilities consistent with their gender identity," according to the ordinance. "All-gender restroom facilities benefit the entire community and provide universal access for families with young children, people with disabilities who rely upon personal care assistance from an attendant or family member, and seniors who require assistance."

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As part of the ordinance all publicly-accessible buildings with single-occupant restrooms are required to have appropriate signage posted outside the bathroom indicating that their bathrooms are designated for use by any person, regardless of sex or gender identity.

Publicly-accessible buildings that must have the signage include restaurants, shops, offices, hotels, theaters, and salons.

Find out what's happening in Princetonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The ordinance officially took effect on Jan. 6, which is 180 days since it was adopted in July.

For more information on the ordinance click here.

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