Minneapolis Committee Advances 4 Bathhouse Ordinances to Full Council as 3 Members Oppose
Updated
Updated · FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul · Jun 16
Minneapolis Committee Advances 4 Bathhouse Ordinances to Full Council as 3 Members Oppose
3 articles · Updated · FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul · Jun 16
Summary
A 4-3 committee vote moved Minneapolis one step closer to lifting its long-standing ban on bathhouses where consenting adults could legally engage in sexual activity.
The ordinances do not directly authorize new venues; they set rules for zoning, health and sanitation, and offenses if the city allows them.
Jason Chavez, who said he is the council's only LGBTQ+ member, backed the package and argued the existing prohibition was rooted in homophobia, while Michael Rainville, Pearl Warren and Elizabeth Shaffer voted no.
Public testimony is scheduled at a Public Health, Safety & Equity hearing on Wednesday before the measures go to the full council on June 23, with Mayor Jacob Frey able to sign or veto any approved changes.