The Body Justice Movement
What is the body justice movement?
The Body Justice Movement is a transformative force dedicated to challenging and dismantling the systemic oppression faced by fat individuals across all aspects of life. Rooted in the belief that every body, regardless of size, deserves equal rights, dignity, and access to opportunities, the movement works to eradicate the discrimination, exclusion, and bias that fat people face in healthcare, education, transportation, employment, and beyond.
At the core of the Body Justice Movement is the Demand Equal Rights for Fat Individuals petition, which advocates for the implementation of the Fat Equality Bill of Rights and the creation of the Fat Accessibility Act. These initiatives aim to ensure that fat individuals are granted the same rights, accommodations, and respect as anyone else, fostering a world where size does not determine one's worth or access to basic needs.
The Fat Equality Bill of Rights outlines the fundamental rights of fat individuals, calling for equal protection and access to areas such as healthcare, transportation, housing, education, and the workplace. These rights ensure that fat individuals are treated with dignity, free from discrimination based on body size.
The Fat Accessibility Act is an emerging initiative that, once fully developed, will be proposed as a piece of legislation aimed at establishing universal standards for accessibility across all public sectors. Modeled after the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fat Accessibility Act will set requirements for size-inclusive seating, equipment, and services in public spaces, transportation, healthcare facilities, and more. The Act will ensure fat individuals have equal access to these spaces without facing additional barriers, discrimination, or costs.
Currently, the Fat Accessibility Act is in its conceptual stage. It will become a proposed piece of legislation once feedback from the community is assessed. Your input is crucial in shaping this important initiative. To help ensure the Act reflects the needs of fat individuals, we invite you to share your thoughts by filling out our survey. Your participation will directly influence the standards and protections that will be included in the Act, ensuring it is as comprehensive and inclusive as possible.
The Body Justice Movement is committed to fostering systemic change, and with your support, we can create a future where fat individuals are treated with the respect, dignity, and equality they deserve in every aspect of life.
The Fat Accessibility Act
Introducing the Fat Accessibility Act Concept
Welcome to the page where we present the concept for the Fat Accessibility Act (FAA)—a proposed framework designed to remove the barriers fat individuals face in public spaces, healthcare, transportation, housing, employment, and beyond. This concept is still in development, and we are collecting community feedback to refine it further. Your voice is crucial in shaping this important piece of advocacy.
The Fat Accessibility Act is born from the experiences of fat individuals who face discrimination, exclusion, and physical barriers in everyday life. Whether it's an airplane seat too small to fit comfortably, a healthcare facility with inadequate equipment, or a workplace that doesn't accommodate larger bodies, these issues need to be addressed. This Act seeks to ensure that everyone, regardless of size, can navigate the world comfortably and without discrimination.
Below, you will find the current concept for the FAA. It is a starting point—a draft proposal with key areas we are focusing on. We want to ensure that the Act covers the most pressing issues faced by the fat community, which is why we need your feedback. This proposal outlines necessary changes in public accommodations, healthcare, transportation, housing, and beyond. Explore the full concept below.
The Fat Accessibility Act (FAA)
The Current Concept for the Fat Accessibility Act
Disclaimer:
This document is a structured outline of the desired outcomes for the Fat Accessibility Act and is not legally binding. It represents a proposed framework for addressing the needs and rights of fat individuals in various public and private sectors. The language used, including terms such as “unlawful” or “penalties,” is intended to illustrate how the Act could be framed and is not a reflection of any legal status or current law. This outline is an example of what the Fat Accessibility Act could look like and does not indicate that such legislation has been passed or enacted.
The Fat Accessibility Act (FAA)
Section 1: Short Title
This Act may be cited as the Fat Accessibility Act.
Section 2: Findings and Purpose
(a) Findings
The Congress has not yet passed legislation addressing the specific needs of fat individuals in public accommodations, transportation, housing, healthcare, and other essential services. However, the following points highlight the critical need for such action:
(1) Fat individuals face significant barriers to full participation in society, including discrimination, exclusion from public accommodations, and lack of accessibility in various sectors.
(2) These barriers create substantial obstacles to equality in employment, education, public services, housing, and travel.
(3) There is a need to implement universal standards to ensure that fat individuals are provided with equal access to public spaces and services.
(4) It is the policy of the United States to establish guidelines and standards for accessibility across all public sectors, promoting inclusivity for individuals of all sizes.
(b) Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Propose a legal framework requiring public and private sectors to provide accessible accommodations for fat individuals.
(2) Ensure that fat individuals have equal access to all public spaces, services, and opportunities, including healthcare, transportation, housing, and employment, without discrimination or undue burden.
Section 3: Definitions
(a) Fat Individual
An individual whose body size or weight exceeds the typical range of the general population, often resulting in the need for larger accommodations in areas such as seating, transportation, healthcare, and housing.
(b) Accessible
A public space, service, or facility that is designed or adapted to be used by individuals regardless of their body size, ensuring the individual can participate fully and comfortably.
Section 4: Public Accommodations
(a) General Rule
No individual shall be discriminated against or excluded from participation in any public accommodation, including but not limited to restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, theaters, and public transportation, due to their body size. Public accommodations must ensure that fat individuals have access to all services, with necessary accommodations made to support their comfort and accessibility.
(b) Specific Requirements
(1) Seating:
Public accommodations must provide seating that accommodates individuals up to 700 lbs, with seating width of at least 24 inches and legroom of at least 36 inches between rows.
(2) Restrooms:
Public restrooms must be designed with wider stalls that are at least 36 inches wide and have toilets that support up to 700 lbs. Restrooms must have grab bars, reinforced seating, and doors that open outward for ease of use.
(3) Accessible Showers and Robes:
Hotels and public lodging must provide showers with reinforced seating, and towels and robes must be available in sizes up to 7X (numerically equivalent to US size 40 or 42) to accommodate fat individuals.
(4) Public Transportation:
Public transportation, including buses, trains, and taxis, must provide seating capable of accommodating passengers up to 700 lbs. Train and bus seats must meet a minimum width of 24 inches, and all vehicles must offer seatbelt extensions and larger seat accommodations at no additional cost.
Section 5: Employment
(a) Equal Opportunity
Fat individuals must have equal access to job opportunities and reasonable accommodations in the workplace. Employers are required to provide the necessary adjustments to seating, workspace, and other facilities to ensure fat employees can perform their work comfortably and safely.
(b) Reasonable Accommodations
Employers must provide accommodations, such as larger chairs, modified workstations, and additional space for mobility aids, where necessary, to ensure that fat employees can perform their duties without discrimination or discomfort.
Section 6: Healthcare
(a) Access to Medical Care
Healthcare providers must ensure that facilities, equipment, and services accommodate fat individuals.
(1) Medical Equipment: Exam tables and chairs must support up to 1000 lbs, and equipment such as blood pressure cuffs must be available in sizes that fit larger bodies.
(2) Non-Discriminatory Treatment: Healthcare providers must receive training to treat fat individuals with dignity, focusing on their health needs without making assumptions based on their body size.
(b) Weight-Based Discrimination
It is unlawful for healthcare providers to discriminate against individuals based on their body size, including making weight-related assumptions or suggesting weight loss as a requirement for treatment without regard for the individual’s health status.
Section 7: Transportation
(a) Air Travel
Airlines must provide accommodations for fat individuals, including but not limited to:
(1) Additional Seating: An extra seat must be provided at no additional cost for individuals who require more space.
(2) Seat Dimensions: Seats must be at least 24 inches wide, and armrests should be either removable or wide enough to accommodate fat passengers.
(3) Seatbelt Extensions: Seatbelt extensions must be provided without charge, and the seatbelt must fit individuals with waist sizes of 60 inches or larger.
(b) Bus and Train Travel
(1) Seating: Seats must accommodate individuals up to 700 lbs, with a width of at least 24 inches.
(2) Legroom: There must be a minimum of 36 inches between rows of seats to ensure sufficient space for fat passengers.
Section 8: Housing
(a) Accessible Housing
Housing units, including public and private rental properties, must provide accommodations that are accessible to fat individuals, with:
(1) Wide Doorways and Hallways: Hallways and doorways must be at least 54 inches wide to accommodate mobility aids and larger bodies.
(2) Reinforced Furniture: Furniture, such as chairs and toilets, must be reinforced to accommodate individuals up to 700 lbs.
(b) No Weight-Based Discrimination
It is unlawful for housing providers to discriminate against fat individuals in housing applications, rental agreements, or property management practices.
Section 9: Education and Public Engagement
(a) Public Education Campaign
The Fat Accessibility Act will fund public education campaigns to reduce fatphobia and promote inclusivity across all sectors. These campaigns will focus on educating businesses, healthcare providers, and the general public on how to treat fat individuals with dignity and respect.
(b) Community Feedback
The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the implementation of the Fat Accessibility Act to ensure that the requirements meet the needs of all fat individuals.
Section 10: Enforcement
(a) Compliance
Any individual or entity found to be in violation of the Fat Accessibility Act must take immediate corrective actions to comply with the guidelines set forth in this Act.
(b) Fines and Penalties
Violations of the Fat Accessibility Act will result in fines or penalties, including but not limited to:
(1) Fines up to $50,000 per violation.
(2) Legal actions requiring compliance with accessibility standards.
Section 11: Funding
(a) Federal Funding
The federal government will allocate funds to assist businesses and organizations in complying with the Fat Accessibility Act, including the modification of physical spaces and the provision of training programs for staff.
Section 12: Online Accessibility
(a) Website Accessibility
Websites, including e-commerce platforms and service providers, must include clear, accessible information regarding weight limits, seat dimensions, and size policies. This information should be easily accessible to customers, and should be prominently displayed where relevant to the services offered. Websites must also accommodate navigation and user experience for fat individuals, ensuring that all digital services are inclusive and functional for people of all sizes.
Section 13: Industry Compliance
(a) Industry Regulations
All sectors, including transportation, hospitality, healthcare, and education, must regularly review and update their policies and facilities to ensure compliance with the Fat Accessibility Act. Failure to comply will result in penalties and the potential loss of federal funding.
Section 14: Timeline
(a) Effective Date
The requirements of the Fat Accessibility Act will be phased in over a period of five years, with full compliance expected by 2030.
Section 15: Public Awareness and Reporting
(a) Public Awareness Campaign
The government will initiate a public awareness campaign designed to inform citizens of their rights under the Fat Accessibility Act. The campaign will focus on educating businesses, healthcare providers, public services, and individuals on how they can support and promote inclusivity for fat individuals in all sectors.
(b) Reporting and Evaluation
A public survey will be conducted every year to assess the effectiveness of the Fat Accessibility Act and identify any gaps or areas needing improvement.