El Paso city council approves gender-neutral single stall bathroom signage ordinance

FILE - In this May 17, 2016 file photo, a new sticker is placed on the door at the ceremonial opening of a gender neutral bathroom at Nathan Hale High School in Seattle. A government official says the Trump administration will revoke guidelines that say transgender students should be allowed to use bathrooms and locker rooms matching their chosen gender identity. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

KFOX 14
by Erika Esquivel
Friday, January 5, 2024

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The City of El Paso city council approved a new ordinance requiring establishments with public single-stall bathrooms to transform them into gender-neutral bathrooms.

According to city representative Cassandra Hernandez, the new ordinance faces practical hurdles such as inadvertent non-compliance and financial constraints among businesses.

Galileo Church, based in Fort Worth, TX, has donated $500 to the city of El Paso for the purchase of signage for establishments to accept.

Reverend Katie Hays of Galileo Church states, "I want to express our deep pride in standing with El Paso in its inclusive endeavors, highlighting the church's commitment to justice for trans individuals."

"This awareness campaign symbolizes our solidarity with trans residents of El Paso, especially amidst state-level challenges to their existence. Our efforts go beyond merely changing bathroom signs; they represent a broader struggle for equality and dignity. I extend my gratitude to Galileo Church for their steadfast dedication to supporting the trans community throughout Texas," said Rep. Hernandez.

Andrew Nunez Rupert, President of Mountain Star Pride, commented, "In partnership with other LGBTQIA+ organizations, Mountain Star Pride is excited to be working with the city of El Paso and City Representative Cassandra Hernandez in order to obtain gender-neutral restroom signs for distribution throughout the city in aid of meeting the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community! It is our hope that this legislation will be a significant step forward in the process of promoting inclusion throughout the sun city."

The funds will be allocated for the purchase of gender-neutral bathroom signage, in compliance with El Paso's Chapter 5.19 ordinance.