Watch CBS News

Proposed Bill Calls For Gender-Neutrality in Businesses, Schools In Philadelphia

By Mike Dunn

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Gender-neutral bathrooms in city-owned buildings and gender-neutral forms on websites are among new requirements in a bill that was given approval this past week by a Philadelphia city council committee.

The bill from councilman Jim Kenney would, among the other things, require that new or renovated city buildings make bathrooms open to all.

"(We're going to) require gender neutral bathrooms in new construction within the city and city buildings," says Kenney.

His measure also includes local tax credits for companies that extend health benefits to same sex partners and requires that numerous city and school district forms and websites be gender neutral.

"For example, on school forms, it is (now) 'mother' and 'father.' We're going to change things to 'Parent One' and 'Parent Two,'" Kenney explains.

The bill was roundly praised at the hearing by members of the city's LGBT community.

"What we're going to do is put the amendment of the Constitution into play that says that all persons will be treated equal under law," says Kenney.

The bill also forbids city departments from asking for gender-specific identification.

A final vote by the full council could come in two weeks.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.