NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — Aiming to curb gender bias and harassment in New York City, officials are readying a plan that would require businesses to convert one-person restrooms into gender-neutral facilities.

Legislation is being introduced that would require publicly available, single-occupancy restrooms in both public and private buildings to be designated as gender-neutral.

It would also amend the language of some city laws, including the plumbing code, which requires separate lavatories for men and women.

“We must look to help trans-gender individuals who quite frankly, have fears,” New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer told WCBS 880’s Ginny Kosola.

“This is a very important issue,” said New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, whose office is releasing a report Friday recommending the changes. “It’s time to help individuals who identify as transgender to use the bathroom without fear of consequence.”