Rep. Brostoff, Rep. Crowley, and Sen. Larson Introduce Legislation to Ensure Gender Parity and Greater Access to Baby Changing Tables in Wisconsin
"When I take my son with me outside of the house, I am consistently struck by how few businesses have changing stations available for parents."
MILWAUKEE – Earlier today, Representative Jonathan Brostoff (D-Milwaukee), Representative David Crowley (D-Milwaukee), and Senator Chris Larson (D-Milwaukee) introduced new legislation to support Wisconsin’s parents and caregivers of young children by ensuring broad, gender-equal access to baby changing tables in public buildings.
“As a new dad, this legislation hits close to home for me,” said Rep. Brostoff. “When I take my son with me outside of the house, I am consistently struck by how few businesses have changing stations available for parents. What’s even more notable is that, in a lot of cases, the businesses that do have diaper changing tables only have them in women’s restrooms. As a father who has spent the last year changing countless diapers, I can’t tell you how frustrating that lack of access can be.”
The bill, LRB-4562, would require baby diaper changing stations to be installed in most newly-built or substantially-renovated public buildings, and would also ensure gender parity in access to changing tables by requiring their installation in either unisex restrooms or both men’s and women’s restrooms.
“No one really likes to talk about it, but dealing with diapers is a huge part of being a parent of young kids,” added Rep. Crowley. “As a father with a beautiful newborn, I know firsthand the importance of access to changing tables. This bill helps ensure that parents and caregivers don’t have to make a false choice between spending time with their kids and fully engaging with their friends and community.”
LRB-4562 is one of a number of pieces of changing table-related legislation that have been introduced around the country in recent years, with similar bills passing with broad, bipartisan support in states as diverse as Arizona, Utah, California, Illinois, and New Mexico.
Ended Sen. Larson, “At the end of the day, this bill is about two things: recognizing the times and supporting Wisconsin’s families. Any parent who wants to take care of their child should feel empowered and supported in that effort, and LRB-4562 recognizes that important fact.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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