Gender Neutral Bathrooms Could Cause Violence By 'Dads Like Me,' IL Senator Says

SPRINGFIELD, IL — An Illinois Republican lawmaker is facing criticism from Democrats and advocacy groups after he said all-gender bathrooms in public places could lead to more violence “from dads like me.”

Illinois State Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Aledo) made the comment during a debate last week over a bill that would provide more multi-occupancy bathrooms in businesses that would be open to both men and women.

Anderson said that violence could be prevalent in a situation if a male walked into a bathroom being used by his 10-year-old daughter.

“I’m telling you right now, if a guy walks in there, I’m going to beat the living piss out of him,” Anderson said during the debate. “So this is going to cause violence and it’s going to cause violence by dads like me.”

The bill, which passed the Senate last week by a 35-20 vote, allows for more multiple-occupancy bathrooms that could be used by either men or women. Under the bill, floor-to-ceiling dividers would still be required and there would be coverings that would prevent someone from looking in through the crack between the door and the dividers that separate the stalls.

The bathrooms would not have urinals.

The bill was introduced earlier this year by State Rep. Katie Stewart, a Democrat, and is meant to promote the safety and privacy – as well as gender inclusivity – of everyone.

On Friday, several groups, including AIDS Foundation Chicago, Equality Illinois and Pride Action Tank, issued a joint statement, denouncing the comments without naming Anderson specifically.

“The violent language is appalling and emblematic of what trans and gender-expansive people experience in their daily lives,” the statement said, adding, "Enough is enough."

It added: “Illinois is a welcoming and affirming state. The Illinois House can forcefully act against such hate and violence by swiftly passing the common-sense and permissive (bill).”

Anderson earlier asked State Sen. Celina Villanueva if (supporters) are going to be offended "if I leave the toilet seat up?"

A day later, as the House debated the bill — which would go to Gov. J.B. Pritzker for a signature if passed — Rep. Kelly Cassidy suggested that Republicans “need to get yourselves together and stop being obsessed where people pee."