In 2026, two state lawmakers in NY proposed repealing a longstanding health code that prohibits sexual activity in bathhouses. The bill aims to modernize regulations, arguing that the code is outdated and unfair.

The current code, adopted in 1970, was designed to reduce the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections during the early epidemic. Critics say it unfairly targets venues that serve a marginalized community, while supporters claim it protects public health.

If passed, the repeal would allow bathhouses to offer private rooms for consensual sex, provided they meet safety standards and provide on-site testing. Opponents fear it could create new hotspots for disease transmission, citing data that links unregulated venues with higher STI rates.

The bill has garnered mixed support from health advocates, community groups, and legislators. While some see it as a step toward destigmatizing safe sex practices, others urge a more cautious approach. The New York Senate will debate the proposal in the coming weeks, with a vote slated for early 2027.