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Earlier this week, I introduced a bill formally known as H.R. 4869, the Restroom Gender Parity in Federal Buildings Act and commonly known as the “Potty Parity Bill.” When signed into law, this bipartisan legislation will mandate that all federally owned or leased public buildings have at least a one-to-one female to male toilet ratio. Unfortunately, unequal bathrooms currently exist in federal buildings, putting thousands of female employees at a disadvantage.
I have long been committed to gender equality in our society and this legislation is a small but significant step in the right direction. It specifically calls for an equal urinal to toilet ratio, meaning that if a men’s bathroom has four toilets and four urinals, the corresponding women’s bathroom will have eight toilets. Furthermore, the bill will not apply to existing federal buildings unless the building is undergoing major renovations, and when leasing or purchasing an existing building the government will give preference to buildings that already meet the bill’s specifications.
Women continue to suffer as a result of decades’ old sexual discrimination in the design of federal buildings, often forcing women to leave their offices for extended periods of time and potentially jeopardizing their jobs and their health. Restroom disparity also calls to mind the inequalities that have been a significant part of this country’s history. But Congress has taken remarkable steps to eradicate discriminatory practices for women working in the federal government, and I believe we can continue in that great tradition by acting on this bill.
When I mention this bill to friends, their response is often filled with disbelief. They cannot imagine that it will take a new federal law to give women equal access to bathroom facilities. I agree. In the year 2010, and with the incredible advances of our country, it seems unthinkable that women do not have equal access to bathroom facilities.
With this bill, I believe we can change this gross disparity and improve the quality of life for women working in our nation’s federal buildings. Gender parity in America is long overdue, and we can contribute to the fight by advancing the Potty Parity Bill. Edolphus Towns
