Minneapolis City Council Approves Legalization of Adult Bathhouses

On Thursday, the Minneapolis City Council overturned a 1988 ordinance that banned the operation of bathhouses and adult sex venues. This ban was introduced at the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The decision was passed by a majority vote of nine to two.

According to LGBT Nation , the repeal is the result of a campaign led by human rights organizations since 2017. In 2023, the Safer Sex Space Coalition was formed to advocate for the removal of legislative language targeting LGBT individuals and people living with HIV.

Public health officials note that legalizing such venues will assist in HIV prevention by enabling outreach to hard-to-reach populations. In 2018, city authorities set a goal that by 2030, 90% of people with HIV would know their status and receive treatment.

The adopted ordinances are the first step toward creating a zoning, licensing, and regulatory framework for these establishments in Minneapolis. Mayor Jacob Frey is expected to sign the documents, after which the development of the relevant regulations will begin.