Blue city proposes bill to place menstrual products in men's bathrooms
Baltimore City council officials proposed legislation Monday to supply menstrual products in all municipal bathrooms, even those marked for males. Baltimore Councilman Paris Gray, the bill's primary advocate, presented the measure during the council's twice-monthly session.
Gray explained that this legislation represents more than just a proposal—it demonstrates Baltimore's dedication to menstrual fairness and the city's core principles of respect, availability, and community wellbeing.
"Menstrual products should be as basic as soap or toilet paper," Gray stated. "These items are a vital part of personal cleanliness, yet many people cannot obtain them. Menstrual products are not optional luxuries but necessities, and lack of access creates unnecessary difficulty and anxiety."
Gray explained that if approved, the bill will make free menstrual products mandatory in public restrooms of all city-owned or leased structures.
"This covers restrooms in all types of buildings, regardless of their designation for men, women, families, or individual use," he explained.
Gray pointed out that this legislation simply formalizes actions already taken by Mayor Brandon Scott's administration and the Department of General Services, which have worked to supply menstrual products in numerous public facilities throughout the city.
He also claimed that Baltimore isn't merely following a national trend for menstrual equity but is actually setting an example across America.
"Cities and towns are acknowledging the importance of free menstrual product access, and Baltimore is proudly taking a leading role in this essential effort," he said.
Gray did not reply to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
In February, similar actions occurred when Long Beach Unified School District in California informed parents that all schools with grades 3-12 would offer menstrual products in girls' bathrooms, gender-neutral bathrooms, and at least one boys' bathroom.
The district told parents they are "dedicated to removing educational barriers and creating a helpful environment for every student."
The district explained that offering period products in these various locations ensures "any student who menstruates—including transgender boys and nonbinary students—can access these essential products with privacy and dignity."
California passed the "Menstrual Equity for All Act" in October 2023, requiring these changes to be implemented by the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.
The state's educational regulations were amended when the legislation passed to include this specific language: "Before the beginning of the 2024-25 academic year, every public educational institution, including those run by school districts, county education offices, or charter schools, serving any grades from 3 to 12, must keep all school restrooms continuously stocked with sufficient menstrual products, freely available and easily accessible in all women's facilities, all-gender facilities, and in at least one men's facility."
In the legislation, menstrual products were specifically described as pads and tampons "used in relation to menstrual cycles." The measure also stated that the state governing body aims "to advance period equity by ensuring proper access to menstrual supplies in schools that include grades 3 through 5."