Proposed changes to building regulations would mandate single-sex toilets in all new public buildings
The government has revealed proposed changes to building regulations which would mandate separate male and female toilets in all new public buildings in England.
The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) published a statement yesterday (13 August) saying the move “builds upon action to protect and enhance single-sex spaces”.
It added that the proposed policy, which will now go to consultation, will also encourage the provision of self-contained toilets “to ensure appropriate facilities for all”.
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Minister for women and equalities, Kemi Badenoch, claimed the introduction of gender-neutral toilets had removed women and girls’ right to privacy and dignity.
She said: “These proposals will ensure every new building in England is required to provide separate male and female or unisex facilities, and publish guidance to explain the difference, protecting the dignity, privacy and safety of all.”
Gender-neutral toilets can be used by anyone, regardless of their gender, sharing the same space for waiting and hand wash facilities. They can benefit transgender and gender non-conforming people who are not comfortable or who may face mistreatment when using gender-specific bathrooms.
In its announcement, the government draws a distinction between gender-neutral and unisex or universal toilets, which it defines as “dedicated, self-contained toilets which maintain privacy for the single user”.
The government said unisex toilets should be provided in new public buildings if there is space, but “should not be installed at the expense of female toilets”.
The proposed policy will potentially have a positive impact on people with disabilities as it could reduce queues for accessible toilets, which the government says are sometimes “the only non-gendered toilets available”.
This article was originally published by Construction Management.
