Minneapolis repeals parts of bathhouse ban as council advances public‑health framework

The Minneapolis City Council on June 25 adopted two ordinances that remove provisions of the city health and licensing code tied to the long‑standing ban on adult bathhouses and related sex‑venue language.

Council Member Chavez, the lead author, framed the vote as a technical first step rather than immediate permission to open such venues, saying the council will follow with zoning, safety and outreach work. "This is a first step and it does not mean that bathhouses are able to open just yet," Chavez said.

Supporters emphasized the history of enforcement and harms to LGBTQ communities. Chavez reviewed raids and criminalization in the 1970s and 1980s and urged colleagues to correct what she called discriminatory policy roots. "What we're doing today is clearing the path for a proper public‑health and zoning framework to follow in the future," she told the council.

Opponents and some constituents urged caution. Council Member Shaffer said he supported parts of the Pride policy package but would not back the deletion in Title 11 that he said could allow commercial operations which some neighbors worry may change land‑use patterns. Council Member Palmisano said he wanted robust worker‑safety and venue‑regulation language included as the code moves between health and business licensing.

The roll call produced a recorded tally reported by the clerk: nine ayes, two nays and one abstention; the clerk announced the ordinances adopted. Supporters said subsequent zoning rules will determine where and how any future operations could legally locate, and that additional public‑safety and outreach measures will follow. Opponents said they will continue to press for clear regulatory guardrails and community engagement.

The council recorded the ordinances as the start of a policy process that council members and staff pledged to carry forward to address zoning, public‑health outreach and safety standards.