Maryland Democrat sparks debate over bill forcing 'size-appropriate' tampons in men’s bathrooms

FREDERICK, MARYLAND: A new bill introduced by Ken Kerr is stirring debate after proposing that public restrooms, including men’s - provide menstrual hygiene products.

The proposal, House Bill 941, has quickly become a talking point for both supporters and critics, with questions over its intent and practicality.

Bill calls for hygiene products in all public restrooms

Kerr’s bill would require all public restrooms in public buildings to provide a standard set of items, including soap, toilet paper, and menstrual hygiene products.

The bill defines those products as “appropriately sized tampons, sanitary napkins, and sanitary pads for use in connection with the menstrual cycle.”

Under the proposal, “each public restroom in each public building shall provide an adequate supply” of these items, alongside basic necessities like water, hand drying devices, and waste containers.

That wording means the requirement would apply across the board - not just in women’s restrooms.

Questions raised over ‘appropriately sized tampons’

During a House floor session on March 17, Kathy Szeliga pressed Kerr on the details of the bill.

“Reading the bill… Menstrual hygiene products means appropriately sized tampons,” she said. “What are appropriately sized tampons? I’ve never heard of such a thing. What do you consider appropriate?”

Kerr responded simply, saying it “just means that tampons are offered, no specific size.”

Szeliga also asked whether the requirement would extend to men’s restrooms in large venues like stadiums.

Kerr said if the building is state-owned, then yes, the rule would apply.

When asked whether he considered limiting the requirement to women’s restrooms, Kerr said no such amendment had been introduced.

Public reactions remain mixed

Reactions from Maryland residents have been divided.

Some questioned the need for the proposal, with one person telling WBAL-TV 11 News they “see no reason for it.”

Others were less concerned.

“I don’t see an issue with it,” one resident, identified as Susan, said. “For me, it doesn’t seem like an issue that is a problem.”

Another person described the idea as “weird,” while Marla Henderson pointed out a possible convenience.

She said that if a woman realizes she doesn’t have a tampon, “their husband or boyfriend would be able to grab some from the men’s restroom.”