Bill Would Require Access to Rest Rooms

[The Straight Story]

Bill Would Require Access to Rest Rooms


AUSTIN. Texas (AP) -- Texas would join two other states that mandate access to employee-only restrooms for anyone with a pressing medical condition, including pregnancy, under a legislative proposal.

State Rep. Mark Strama, D-Austin, said he agreed to sponsor the bill after meeting with a support group for people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, autoimmune diseases that can cause intestinal cramping and diarrhea.

"We should all be inspired by their example to have the courage to speak out about difficult issues and to advocate for others who silently endure difficult chronic illnesses," Strama said.

The bill to be filed Thursday would require that customers wanting to use a private bathroom present a doctor's statement or identification card stating the medical condition.

Access to restrooms is critical for some people, said Jeff Neale, spokesman for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BATHROOM_BILL?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=HOME

[Sapphire Blue]

1. K&R and kudos to State Rep. Strama,

[Journeyman]

2. No brainer. I'd rather clean the toilet than the floor. . . .

I understand a company's reluctance to let everyone use the facilities, but since the day my wife told a manager he either let our 2-year-old use the toilet or she'd let her use the potted plant, I've seen the wisdom of judicious relaxing of silly rules.