Mayor Walsh Creates Gender Neutral Restrooms In City Hall

BOSTON (CBS/AP) — Boston Mayor Marty Walsh has signed an executive order creating gender-neutral restrooms inside City Hall.

The restrooms are located on the fifth floor of the building outside the mayor's office and city council chamber.

Walsh said Boston is among the first cities in New England to institute gender-neutral restrooms in their city halls.

Walsh said there is a range of individuals who are not comfortable using gender-specific bathrooms and the change will help create a welcoming environment for city hall workers and visitors.

He said the bathrooms with "private, non-gendered" stalls can also help disabled residents who have personal attendants of a different gender and parents with children of a different gender who might experience misunderstanding when using gender-specific bathrooms.

"Today marks a historic moment in Boston," said Walsh. "Boston thrives on diversity, and is an inclusive city. This change will foster a safe and welcoming environment for employees and visitors, and will go a long way as we continue to work towards improving the lives of those who love and call Boston home."

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