PENNSYLVANIA SENATE
PASSES RESTROOM
EQUALITY RESOLUTION
By LARRY CENTOR

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Senate has passed a resolution calling for equal restroom facilities for heterogeneous and homogeneous individuals along the state’s toll roads.

By a 33 to 14 vote, with two abstentions, the Senate passed the Restroom Equal Access Measure, or REAM as it usually referenced. “We feel it’s time we did something more than talk about sexual equality,” said Fermil Gozman, speaking for the majority. “It’s time for the next step forward.”

Gozman, a Democrat from Philadelphia, noted, “While this resolution doesn’t actually have the force of law, we hope the House will be encouraged to consider formal legislation that will give everyone a choice as to which urinal or stall to use when he or she enters a Pennsylvania restroom.”

Most religious leaders questioned were reluctant to support the resolution. Among gay rights organizations, however, reaction was generally positive. Plato Shipple, president of Gays Are People, or GAP, lauded the Senate’s action. “It’s quite simply a way for men to stand up for what they believe.”

Fatima Shmoon, co-chairperson of the Women Have A Choice Coalition, WHACC, said, “It’ll be more civilized to be able to pick the stall that’s right for you. Pink or blue is a choice of conscience. Good for the Senate.”

Governor Edward G. Rendell said, “If the General Assembly passes REAM legislation, I’d be inclined to sign the bill into law, but I will listen to all arguments, pro and con.”

In a pilot program, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Authority has already instituted a de facto system of urinal designation, using pink and blue disinfectant discs to connote preferred sexual orientation. “Of course, we can only use this particular method in men’s restrooms,” said Madelaine Fenster, human compassion coordinator for the authority. “We are considering using discreet colored stickers on stalls,” she said.

Initial indications seem to be that men are beginning to realize they have a choice of using urinals with one color or the other. “Exit polls of this nature are suspect because not everyone wants to ‘come out,’” said Fenster, “but given a margin of error of plus or minus of 19 per cent, many men do seem to be making conscious decisions.”

“We’re trying to increase public awareness subtly,” said Fenster. “We’ll gradually post more signs, increase visibility. We’re working on a ‘Think pink – or blue!’ media campaign.”

Hiram Givoney, an auto mechanic from Lamar, said, “At first, I wasn’t sure, but then I noticed there were fewer pink than blue urinals, and the light dawned. I’m pink and proud of it,” he added.

Louis Plonaski, a medical supplies salesman from Scranton, also became aware of the system. “How could I not,” he said, “when there’s this sign over the urinals that says, ‘The choice is yours, if you want it.’ And boy, am I blue.”

“Blue, pink. What do I care,” said Stan Czluzniak. “I’m not thinking about colors when I go to the men’s room. Know what I mean?”

About the Author

Larry Centor

Larry Centor has been writing stories and essays for his children – ages 22 to 46 – for decades; several have been published by e-zines. Many non-fiction pieces have been published in print media. Larry owns a small advertising agency, with a comics division, and graduated from Syracuse University’s School of Journalism, 1959.