Minneapolis Considers Legalizing Sex Venues for Gay Somali Community

City leaders propose licensing and regulating adult bathhouses and sex spaces to promote public health and safety.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:00pm

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A fractured, abstract painting in warm colors depicting a group of people entering the doorway of a bathhouse, conveying the energy and movement of the contentious proposal to legalize such venues in Minneapolis.A proposed plan to legalize adult bathhouses in Minneapolis sparks debate over public health, personal freedoms, and cultural assimilation.Minneapolis Today

The Minneapolis City Council is considering a package of proposed ordinances that would legalize and regulate adult bathhouses and sex venues, driven by activists from the Somali LGBTQ+ community who argue the current ban is outdated and stigmatizing. The measures would create licensing and business regulations, update zoning codes, revise health standards, and add exceptions to miscellaneous offenses provisions.

Why it matters

This development highlights the ongoing debates around the balance between public health, personal freedoms, and cultural assimilation in a city that has seen significant Somali immigration. Supporters argue these spaces promote safer sex practices, HIV prevention, and community belonging, while critics view it as pandering to a specific demographic.

The details

The proposed ordinances would allow patrons to engage in sexual activity in licensed adult sex venues. Activists from the Safer Sex Spaces Coalition have led the push, arguing the 1988 ban that targeted "high-risk sexual conduct" is outdated. Council members supporting the measures say LGBTQ+ gathering spaces have long been criminalized, while the council president notes these activities "already happen in the shadows" and the goal is to ensure safety for patrons.

  • The Minneapolis City Council referred the proposed ordinances to staff for further development in April 2026.

The players

Safer Sex Spaces Coalition

A group of activists leading the push to legalize adult bathhouses and sex venues in Minneapolis.

Jason Chavez

A Minneapolis City Council member who supported referring the proposed measures to staff.

Elliott Payne

The Minneapolis City Council President, who noted the goal is to ensure safety for patrons since these activities "already happen in the shadows."

Jacob Frey

The Mayor of Minneapolis, who a spokesperson indicated supports continued exploration of the issue.

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What they’re saying

“The Minneapolis Health Department and other public health organizations acknowledge this ordinance is no longer the tool needed to promote public health.”

— Safer Sex Spaces Coalition

“LGBTQIA+ gathering spaces, including bathhouses, have long been targeted by criminalization and policing, and our communities have paid a devastating price for that. That's why we're referring this to staff to begin building policy alongside community members and stakeholders.”

— Jason Chavez, Minneapolis City Council Member

“These activities 'already happen in the shadows, and we are trying to ensure that they are safe for patrons, especially when LGBTQ+ individuals are under attack by the federal government.”

— Elliott Payne, Minneapolis City Council President

What’s next

The proposed ordinances will be further developed by city staff before returning to the Minneapolis City Council for consideration.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tensions in Minneapolis around balancing public health, personal freedoms, and cultural assimilation as the city grapples with the impacts of significant Somali immigration. The outcome will shape the future of adult sex venues and their role in the LGBTQ+ community.