Over the past few months, the state of New York has been passing various new laws. This tends to be pretty standard procedure for the most part. However, there is a new law that is making fathers all over the state jump for joy. It may not seem like a very important law to those without children but rest assured, dads are most definitely celebrating these helpful new rules.
All parents deserve a clean, safe space to take care of their baby’s needs.
We’re ensuring equal access to these amenities so all New Yorkers can give their children the care they need at this critical stage of their lives. pic.twitter.com/WW0lDZK104
— Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) April 5, 2018
Gone are the days when the changing table was a staple of the ladies’ room and nowhere else. Lawmakers are finally getting with the times and realizing that dads are parents, too! Starting on January 1st, these dads will no longer have to worry about tracking down a changing table during those crucial moments that we all fear as parents.
#ChallengingChangingTable @ChangingTables @mylifesuckers @daddydoinwork @aplusk pic.twitter.com/siKwUEyGSn
— ChangingTableLocator (@ChangingTables) January 20, 2016
This law is not just for single dads or divorced parents, though. This law acknowledges the fact that both parents can remain equally invested in the childcare process. Dads can no longer slough off changing duties when the family is out to eat. The old excuses are long gone. The rights of the working parent need to remain protected and we are happy that these laws were passed.
real men's issues: not having baby changing tables in men's restrooms
not real men's issues: holding open a damn door— DUTCH VAN DER LINDE IS SEXY (@fireplanetz) January 29, 2016
Hopefully, any state is still making their parents live in the Stone Age is taking notes and getting prepared to eventually follow suit. The Uniform Building Code in New York is also going to be changed, as a means of reflecting these new laws. Changing tables must be built in a manner that encourages maximum safety and compliance.
Another reason to love being a New Yorker: #NYC legislation now requires new buildings to have baby changing tables in both men & women’s restrooms https://t.co/XNgS1AanZl
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) December 19, 2017
If a floor is publicly accessible, there needs to be at least one gender neutral changing table. Clear signage also must be posted that allows customers to find the changing table with relative ease. Parenting norms are changing and it is high time that the laws started to reflect that. Women do not have to do all of the parenting “work” any longer.
Gay dads like my husband & me may never have to change diapers on a bathroom floor????????????????again! @NYGovCuomo budget mirrors my legislation (S574) requiring new buildings to have baby changing tables in public restrooms for both women & men. #pottyparity pic.twitter.com/blQPy34OOw
— Senator Brad Hoylman (@bradhoylman) January 23, 2018
That is the way that it should be, right? Dads everywhere may have a reputation for being lazy and unwilling to help out but this stereotype ignores the fact that there are a wide range of fathers who love to pitch in. Thanks to this new law, these dads will no longer have to overcome a needless obstacle in order to do just that! Please be sure to pass this good news along to your friends and loved ones.
I find it offensive that stores have baby changing tables in the women's restrooms but not the men's. Real men change diapers too.
— Justin Thorp (@thorpus) July 6, 2014
