NPS States That Visitors Can Use Bathrooms Based On The Gender With Which They Identify

In response to the recent controversy regarding the use of public bathrooms in schools by transgender individuals, the National Park Service reportedly has stated that bathrooms, showers and changing areas at all NPS sites are, and have been, open to individuals on the basis of their gender identity, as opposed to their biological gender.  “As it relates to recently passed state laws relating to the transgender community, visitors to public lands and water sites are welcome to use restrooms that best align with their gender identity,” was a comment attributed to an NPS spokesman.  Another NPS spokesman reportedly addressed the issue by stating that “[p]eople have always been able to choose the public restroom within the national park system that aligns with their gender identity.  The National Park Service has never had a rule that determined nor designated what restroom someone should use according to their gender identity.”  However, at this time, NPS has not issued any formal guidance to its concessioners as to this issue.