Minneapolis City Council members on Thursday approved a pair of ordinances that could pave the way for city officials to legalize bathhouses within the city.
Councilmember Jason Chavez says the city's LGBTQ+ has been unfairly targeted by a decades-old ban.
"Someone who will acknowledge that bathhouse restrictions have a history that is intertwined with anti-2S LGBTQIA bigotry, in particular the history of homophobia in Minneapolis," says Chavez. And today's vote is a step to try and rectify past harms."
Anti-2S LGBTQ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) bigotry is a rising form of prejudice characterized by discriminatory rhetoric, targeted violence, and widespread legislative rollbacks.
Minneapolis banned commercial sex venues and adult bathhouses in 1988.
"I'm so grateful that we're able to actually do something right today and correct a period in our local history that brought harm, that brought shadows, that was rooted in fear, to actually transform that into a moment of boldness, of pride, of joy, of opportunity," added Council member Robin Wonsley.
The ordinances amend the city's health code and also changes business regulations.
"Today's vote is a step to try and rectify past harms," says councilmember Jason Chavez
"Today's vote is a step to try and rectify past harms," says councilmember Jason Chavez
