November 19, 2015
Mayor Michael Nutter signed legislation Thursday requiring restaurants and other private establishments to designate all single-occupancy restrooms as gender neutral.
The law requires establishments to replace any gender-specific signage with gender-neutral signage by Jan. 20, 2016. The Department of Licenses and Inspections will oversee enforcement of the law, which extends to any private establishment serving the public.
The legislation does not apply to multi-stall or multi-occupant restrooms.
"Our inclusive practices and commitment to equality makes our city truly great and a leader on LGBT issues,” Nutter said in a statement. “This legislation expands and strengthens gender-identity protections and is an important step in support of our LGBT community, especially our transgender community members."
Anyone who encounters an establishment in violation should report it to Philly311 or the Mayor's Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs. People also can report violations via Twitter by tweeting @Philly311 and using the #freetoPHL.
Here is a map of gender-neutral restrooms in Philadelphia, compiled by the Mayor's Office of LGBT Affairs:
