Minneapolis Moves to Lift 38-Year Ban on Adult Bathhouses

City Council considers reversing 1988 ordinance that banned sex venues during AIDS crisis

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:08am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a solitary urban building in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of nostalgia and the passage of time, conceptually representing the complex issues surrounding the proposed reversal of Minneapolis' bathhouse ban.The proposed reversal of Minneapolis' long-standing ban on adult bathhouses raises complex questions about public health, community, and the role of city government.Minneapolis Today

The Minneapolis City Council is preparing to consider a package of ordinances that would legalize and regulate adult sex venues, effectively reversing a ban the city enacted in 1988 at the height of the AIDS crisis. The proposed changes would create new licensing and zoning rules for these establishments, which advocates argue are important for public health and community belonging.

Why it matters

The 1988 ban on adult bathhouses and sex venues had bipartisan support at the time, including from the city's first openly gay council member, as a public health measure during the AIDS epidemic. Reversing this ban is seen by some as erasing the serious public health concerns that motivated it, while others view it as a necessary step to reduce stigma and promote safer sex practices.

The details

The proposed ordinances would create a new chapter in the city code to regulate adult sex venues, update zoning definitions, amend health provisions, and carve out exceptions for licensed establishments. The changes are being driven by the Safer Sex Spaces Coalition, which argues the original ban targeted LGBTQ+ individuals and people with HIV/AIDS. The city plans to model the new rules on San Francisco's approach, which requires condoms and staff training.

  • The 1988 ordinance banning adult bathhouses and sex venues was enacted at the height of the AIDS crisis.
  • In 2023, the language of the 1988 ordinance was changed after lobbying by the Safer Sex Spaces Coalition.
  • The Minneapolis City Council is now preparing to consider a package of new ordinances to legalize and regulate adult sex venues.

The players

Jacob Frey

The mayor of Minneapolis who supports continuing to explore the idea of legalizing and regulating adult sex venues.

Elliott Payne

The Minneapolis City Council President who said the plan to regulate bathhouses would be modeled after San Francisco's approach.

Brian Coyle

The first openly gay member of the Minneapolis City Council who helped pass the 1988 ban on adult bathhouses and sex venues.

Safer Sex Spaces Coalition

The driving force behind the proposed changes to reverse the 1988 ban, arguing the original ordinance targeted LGBTQ+ individuals and people with HIV/AIDS.

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What they’re saying

“Many members of the LGBTQ+ community supported the 1988 ban at the time, as it was seen as a necessary public health measure during the AIDS crisis.”

— Brian Coyle, First openly gay Minneapolis City Council member

What’s next

The Minneapolis City Council has not yet scheduled a vote on the proposed ordinances to legalize and regulate adult sex venues. It remains unclear how far along the legislative process has advanced.

The takeaway

The push to reverse Minneapolis' long-standing ban on adult bathhouses and sex venues highlights the tension between public health concerns and ideological priorities. While advocates argue the venues are important for community and identity, the original ban had broad support as a serious response to the AIDS crisis, and some question whether city government should be in the business of licensing such establishments.