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Potty Parity Comes to New York

The New York City Council unanimously passed the Potty Parity bill into law. The New York Daily News has the story on this important development. The law addresses the longstanding toilet inquality issue which has caused women so much suffering over the years. Under the new "affirmative action plan" for womens' toilets, new buildings in New York must provide two toilets for women for every one toilet installed for men.

The current law, enacted in 1984, requires a 1-to-1 ratio. But men can "zoom in and zoom out," while women end up waiting in long lines, noted Councilwoman Madeline Provenzano (D-Bronx), chairwoman of the Housing and Buildings Committee. "This is a quantum leap into the 21st century," said Councilwoman Yvette Clarke (D-Brooklyn), chief sponsor and architect of the bill.

The bill approved yesterday is a compromise version of a proposal that would have required virtually all buildings - new and old - with public rest rooms to have two facilities for women for every one designated for men. In a deal with Mayor Bloomberg, the original potty-parity bill was flushed because of complaints over its potentially huge cost to owners of bars, restaurants and theaters and to publicly owned facilities, such as stadiums.

The bill was approved 50-1 at the council meeting. "If there was ever a bill I was afraid to be on the wrong side of, it would be this bill," noted wise Councilman Erik Martin-Dilan (D-Brooklyn). Councilman Martin-Dilan's district is 60% female.

Rejoice this Memorial Day, for Potty Parity has at last been achieved. In New York, anyway.

Posted on May 27, 2005

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