TL;DR
- Minneapolis City Council repeals a 38-year ban on adult bathhouses.
- The ban was originally enacted during the AIDS crisis in 1988.
- Council member Jason Chavez advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.
- Public health measures will be prioritized in reopening.
- Opposition exists among some constituents regarding the repeal.
In a groundbreaking move for LGBTQ+ rights, the Minneapolis City Council has officially repealed a long-standing ban on adult bathhouses that had been in place for an astonishing 38 years. This decision, made on June 25, 2026, with a 9-2 vote, marks a significant shift in the city’s approach to LGBTQ+ public health and community spaces.
The original ban was put into effect during the AIDS crisis in 1988, a time when fear and misinformation about the disease led to widespread discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Many advocates have long argued that this ban was not just a public health measure but also rooted in homophobia. Now, with the repeal, Minneapolis is taking steps toward a more inclusive future.
One of the key figures in this repeal is Jason Chavez, the only openly LGBTQ+ member of the Minneapolis City Council. Chavez co-authored the ordinance that led to the repeal and poignantly honored Brian Coyle, a former council member who had voted for the ban back in 1988. Chavez stated, “Today is the first step and it will not be the last. I believe if Brian Coyle was here with us today, with everything we know about public health, he would be standing with us proudly.”
With the repeal in place, the next step involves getting the green light from Mayor Jacob Frey, who has expressed his support for the decision. Once approved, the city will begin drafting regulations for the operation of these bathhouses, aiming to ensure that they prioritize public health and safety. Advocates are looking to successful models from cities like San Francisco, where bathhouses are equipped with essential health measures such as condom availability, trained staff, and proper waste disposal systems.
However, not everyone is on board with this change. Council member Elizabeth Schaffer, who represents the area where Minneapolis Pride occurs, voted against the repeal. She expressed concerns about the priorities of the city and mentioned that some constituents have reservations about the return of bathhouses, citing a resident who has been involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy for decades. Schaffer noted, “Many gay men in his own network either oppose the return of bathhouses or have real questions about whether this is the right path for a variety of reasons.”
As the city moves forward, the conversation around public health, safety, and LGBTQ+ rights will continue to evolve. The repeal of the bathhouse ban in Minneapolis is a pivotal moment, signaling a shift towards greater acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community’s needs. It’s a small yet significant step in the ongoing fight for equality and recognition.