Full Breakdown
Minneapolis City Council Repeals 38-Year Ban on Adult Bathhouses, Lays Groundwork for Licensing
6/28/2026, 1:58:58 AM
Council Vote Overturns 1988 Bathhouse Ban
On June 25, 2026, the Minneapolis City Council approved two ordinances that repeal the 1988 prohibition on adult bathhouses and sex venues and create a licensing, zoning, and health-sanitation framework. The measure passed 9-2; Councilmembers Elizabeth Shaffer (Ward 7) and Pearll Warren (Ward 5) voted against, Vice President Jamal Osman abstained, and Councilmember Jamison Whiting was absent.
Background & Context
The 1988 ban was enacted as a response to the AIDS epidemic and followed the 1979 raid in which undercover officers ticketed 125 patrons and charged nine individuals. Historically, bathhouses served as social and health resources for the LGBTQ+ community. Neighboring Minnesota cities—Duluth and St. Paul—permit bathhouses under varying oversight, highlighting a regional shift toward regulated adult venues.
Key Figures & Groups
- Council President Elliott Payne – chief author of the ordinances.
- Councilmember Jason Chavez – LGBTQ+ advocate, emphasized public-health framing.
- Councilmember Robin Wonsley – highlighted long-standing community advocacy.
- Councilmember Elizabeth Shaffer – voiced budget and regulatory concerns.
- Councilmember Pearll Warren – voted against repeal.
- Mayor Jacob Frey – has indicated intent to sign the ordinances.
- Minneapolis LGBTQ+ community – primary constituency for the policy change.
Timeline
- 1979 – Largest U.S. bathhouse raid in Minneapolis.
- 1988 – City bans adult bathhouses and sex venues.
- March 2026 – Ordinances introduced to council.
- June 25 2026 – Council votes 9-2 to repeal ban and establish licensing framework.
Data & Statistics
- 38 years of prohibition (1988-2026).
- 13-member council; vote tally 9-2 with 1 abstention and 1 absence.
- Two ordinances: one for licensing/business regulation, another for health and sanitation standards.
Why It Matters / Impact
The repeal removes “stigmatizing” language from city code and creates a path for regulated adult venues, which advocates argue can support safe-sex education and LGBTQ+ community spaces. Critics warn of potential neighborhood impacts, commercial sex-venue proliferation, and the city’s fiscal constraints. The change also aligns Minneapolis with broader “Pride in Policy” initiatives that modernize gender-inclusive language and expand all-gender restroom access.
Official Statements & Responses
Mayor Frey’s office confirmed the mayor will sign the ordinances but reiterated a focus on “safe streets, housing, and economic development.” Council President Payne described the measures as “the starting point for setting the foundation for a regulatory framework.” Councilmember Chavez said the ordinances “clear the path for a proper public-health and zoning framework.” Councilmember Wonsley noted that the LGBTQ2S+ community “has long been advocating for this policy.” Shaffer cited the city’s budget shortfall as a reason to prioritize other services.
Criticism & Opposition
Shaffer warned the deletions could “allow commercial operations… for the purposes of sex,” raising concerns about adult-sex venues in residential areas. Warren joined the opposition, and Councilmembers Linea Palmisano and Michael Rainville expressed reservations about regulatory details and requested further clarification. Some LGBTQ+ residents also voiced mixed feelings about reintroducing bathhouses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These are places of refuge and I think it's important to acknowledge that these establishments were even picketed by signs that said 'AIDs kill' and 'avoid gay bathhouses,'” — Councilmember Jason Chavez
- “My concern is not with just LGBTQ spaces, not with consenting adults, and not with whether or not Minneapolis is a welcoming city. My concern is the deletions suggested today… Which would allow commercial operations in Minneapolis for the purposes of sex, allowing enclosures for a fee where people can go have sex — basically allowing adult sex venues in our city,” — Councilmember Elizabeth Shaffer
- “This is not the full body of work that we are aiming to do, this is the starting point for setting the foundation for regulatory framework,” — Council President Elliott Payne
- “The mayor will sign bathhouses but as he’s said before, he wants our focus to remain on providing core City services: safe streets, housing, and economic development.” — Mayor Jacob Frey’s spokesperson
- “Our LGBTQ2S+ communities have long been advocating for this policy,” — Councilmember Robin Wonsley
- “Once we have the regulatory framework, the regulations in place, that’s when a bathhouse will be able to open,” — Councilmember Jason Chavez
What’s Next
Mayor Jacob Frey must sign or veto the ordinances. The council plans further work on licensing criteria, zoning maps, and health-inspection protocols before any bathhouse can open. Additional public hearings are expected as the city balances community input, public-health goals, and budget considerations.
