Crackdown on gender-neutral toilets

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【Summary】The UK government plans to require separate toilets for men and women in all new non-residential buildings and major refurbishments. The move aims to protect privacy and dignity, particularly for women, as the trend towards gender-neutral toilets has raised concerns. Exceptions will be made for single-person facilities. The government will also strengthen existing rules for separate toilets in schools. A consultation on the implementation of these changes will open soon.

FutureCar Staff Aug 14, 2023 12:17 AM PT

Women will now have their own toilets in all new non-residential buildings and those undergoing major refurbishment in order to protect single-sex spaces. This move, praised for its aim to safeguard privacy and dignity, will also apply to buildings that are being renovated.

Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch emphasized the importance of privacy and dignity for everyone when using public facilities. She expressed concern that the push for gender-neutral toilets has compromised this fundamental right for women and girls. Ms. Badenoch, who also serves as the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, stated that these proposals will ensure that every new building in England provides separate male and female or unisex facilities. Guidance will also be published to clarify the differences, with the goal of protecting the dignity, privacy, and safety of all individuals.

An exception will be made for facilities where the entire room, not just the cubicle, is designed for use by one person at a time and can be locked from the inside.

In addition, existing regulations that require schools to provide separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged eight or older will be strengthened.

Ministers are concerned that the increasing prevalence of gender-neutral facilities raises issues of privacy and dignity, particularly for women, and may lead to longer queues. They are particularly worried about the impact on women who may need to use facilities more frequently due to pregnancy or sanitary needs.

A new brief consultation on the specific implementation of these changes will begin tomorrow.

A YouGov poll conducted last year found that 87% of respondents favored separate toilets for men and women, while 35% believed that unisex toilets should be available for those who choose to use them.