I wonder about how much of this issue is real and how much is hype, but then take a step back and observe that, to pun Freud, sometimes a washroom is just a washroom. The article clearly points out that anyone can use these facilities, so the presence of a decent hand dryer in them is of more importance to me than any arguement about appropriateness, spending, or politics. (BTW folks, that some of these comments morphed into a tirade about American politics is mind-boggling)
If this gives comfort to some confused kids, what is the harm? Have we forgotten that kindness experienced in youth influences a persons view of humanity as they grow? And wasted spending? I've seen far worse, many times, in corporate spending that shareholders end up paying for. As for politics, well, if a single issue like this drives a vote that seems sad , but at minimum we live in a democrcy where one has that choice. 
Have a coffee, work with the Golden Rule, and chill out. The sky will not fall over this.