Men’s Restrooms in NY Are Now Required to Have Changing Tables Because Dads Change Diapers, Too, Damnit

An entire US state is finally acknowledging the fact that dads change their kids' diapers while out in public. Following a viral photo of a dad changing his son's diaper on the floor of a public restroom, a New York state law in effect as of Jan. 1, 2019, is mandating that all new and renovated buildings with public bathrooms are required to install changing tables in both women's and men's rooms. This legislation comes on the heels of the same law passed solely in New York City in 2017.

The law was first announced last April by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who said that the "legislation supports our efforts to make New York the nation's model for working parents, and helps make it a stronger, fairer, and more equal state for all."

Senator Brad Hoylman added at the time: "It's not just moms who change diapers. Dads need to step up and do their part of the dirty work, too. By including my bill for requiring baby changing stations in both male and female restrooms in the final budget, Governor Cuomo and the legislature are taking an important step in recognising changing parental norms, including a new generation of gay dads like me who no longer should have to change their babies on the bathroom floor because there's no changing station in the men's restroom."

Despite this win for New York, there's still a ways to go — 49 more states, to be exact. Here's hoping that dads' public restroom frustrations can come to an end entirely in 2019.