Yes, we can blame old laws, but hasn't it occurred to men that they, too, are inconvenienced when their spouses, mothers, sisters and female friends have to endure long waits in the restroom line? (Men, a pearl of wisdom: Whatever you do in these situations, DO NOT ask "What took you so long?")

Also troubling is the middle ground some businesses are attempting to plow to comply with potty parity concerns. Some have designated unisex or gender-neutral bathrooms. This summer while vacationing in Yellowstone National Park, I noticed some outhouse-type bathrooms with unisex signs.

What can I say? I have an aversion to sharing public restrooms with men. I was the only girl in my family, and I had to share a bathroom with my brothers. Enough said.

As for Rep. Allen, she told me she applauds the move on the part of the New York City Council on behalf of enhanced potty parity. When visiting the Big Apple, Allen has literally raced to restrooms in theaters to avoid what she describes as "60-yard long lines."

Again, it's unfortunate that cities and states have to write laws to acknowledge the different toileting needs of men and women. Thanks to Allen, who was undeterred in seeking a solution a decade ago, Utah developed a more common sense solution to the issue of parity debate. It was truly visionary.

---

E-mail: marjorie@desnews.com. Marjorie Cortez is a Deseret Morning News editorial writer.