Brazilian Proposes Bathroom for Gays

BRASILIA, Brazil —  A Brazilian lawmaker’s campaign to create a third bathroom for “people of different sexual orientations” sparked outrage this week from gay rights groups, who said the proposal could fuel discrimination.

Brasilia Congressman Wilson Lima’s proposal would give gays, lesbians and transvestites the option of using a separate, third bathroom in the clubs and bars of the nation’s capital.

He said he came up with the idea at a samba show, where he saw a transvestite grapple with two unwelcome options: enter the men’s bathroom and brave possible beatings, or risk getting booted from the club by using the women’s restroom.

But Brazil’s vocal gay-rights groups say the proposal would violate civil rights and might even heighten homophobia.