Statehouses across the U.S. are taking steps to resolve long-standing bathroom disparities for female lawmakers.
Female state legislators in Kentucky face challenges in deciding when to use the bathroom due to limited facilities on the third floor of the Kentucky Statehouse.
Only two women’s stalls are available, leading to difficulties for the 41 female legislators out of the 138-member Legislature.
While men have adequate bathroom access, women often risk missing important debates or votes.
House Speaker David Osborne occasionally allows women to use his restroom, highlighting the lack of suitable amenities for female lawmakers.
Professor Kathryn Anthony emphasizes that the built environment should cater to the entire population to avoid disenfranchisement.
Kentucky is undergoing a $300 million renovation to tackle the bathroom disparity by adding more women’s restrooms.
Similar initiatives are seen in other states like Georgia to comply with accessibility standards.
Historical statehouses often lack sufficient restrooms, with some only designed for men historically.
Progress in addressing these disparities reflects the changing demographics and requirements of modern legislatures.
