A new law will require men and women's restrooms to have changing tables so that both fathers and mothers can change babies' diapers.
Specifically, it "requires male and female restrooms in federal public buildings to be equipped with baby changing facilities."
The Huffington Post reported that President Obama signed the Bathrooms Accessible in Every Situation Act into law Oct. 7.
The law, also known as the BABIES Act, was introduced as H.R.5147 by Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) in April.
Public buildings are defined by the act as one "constructed, altered, or acquired by the Administrator of General Services." The space should also be " physically safe, sanitary, and appropriate."
"Government needs to do more to ensure that public buildings are family-friendly. No mom or dad should ever have to worry about finding a safe, sanitary place to change their baby ― least of all in a federal building that's paid for by taxpayers," Cicilline said on on his website when the House passed the proposal.
"Federal buildings are paid for by taxpayers and it's important to ensure that they are as open, as accessible, and as family-friendly as possible," Cicilline said in a statement. "With this new law now in effect, Social Security offices, Post Office buildings, and courthouses will be more accommodating for working moms and dads in Rhode Island and across the country."
The law comes after celebrities, like actor Ashton Kutcher, and others have complained about the lack of changing tables in men's restrooms.
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