Key Takeaways:
Kentucky’s Capitol lacks adequate restrooms for women lawmakers
Lawmakers say building design reflects historic gender exclusion
Statehouse renovations aim to address bathroom inequality
Restroom access linked to broader themes of respect and inclusion
For female state lawmakers in Kentucky, choosing when to go to the bathroom has long required careful calculation.
There are only two bathroom stalls for women on the third floor of the Kentucky Statehouse, where the House and Senate chambers are located. Female legislators — 41 of the 138 member Legislature — needing a reprieve during a lengthy floor session have to weigh the risk of missing an important debate or a critical vote.
None of their male colleagues face the same dilemma because, of course, multiple men’s