In the UK, new rules could require builders to separate male and female bathrooms. This came amid claims by the minister that “gender-neutral” bathrooms remove women’s “fundamental rights” to privacy and dignity. ** In this blog post, we will discuss this oppressive proposal and why it is harmful to the LGBTQ+ community. 

The New Proposal

Kemi Badenoch, the woman and equalities minister as well as business and trade secretary, said Sunday that the proposed new regulations would cover new non-residential and public buildings.

In the proposal, which will be published in draft form on Monday, separate single-sex toilets would need to be installed for men and women “and/or” a self-contained private toilet.

“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,” Badenoch noted in a statement by the UK government.

According to Stonewall, gender-neutral toilets in workplaces can ensure that non-binary employees can access facilities without feeling discriminated against.

Other Controversial Policies

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government is considering various controversial policies regarding transgender rights. Earlier this year, Badenoch requested guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) regarding the “benefits or otherwise” of amending the definition of sex in the existing Equality Act.

In addition, the government has promised to issue transgender guidelines for schools, but some of the suggested elements have reportedly been delayed for legal reasons.

How did this Proposal Come About?

A previous call for evidence on improving toilet accessibility had over 17,000 responses representing a variety of perspectives.

As a result of these responses, the government said it was essential to consider the range of toilets available to ensure everyone’s dignity, access, equality, and privacy.

Baroness Scott, the parliamentary undersecretary of state for faith and communities, stated: “It is extremely important women can feel comfortable when using public facilities, so we are taking action to restore dignity and privacy at the centre of all future provision. These proposals will mean separate toilets for men and women, as well as self-contained toilets for those that need them, become a requirement for every new building across England.”

The Importance of Inclusive Use Restrooms

Inclusive washrooms are designed to anticipate and accommodate the needs of people who are likely to use them. The following are three barriers that people face when trying to access washrooms in public places:

• Accessibility issues
• Privacy concerns
• Cultural norms restricting gender identity and presentation

What are Inclusive Use Restrooms?

An inclusive-use restroom, also known as gender-neutral bathrooms, typically has a single stall and is lockable to ensure the safety of all genders. Gender-neutral bathrooms are safe, private spaces for transgender, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming people, as well as families with children and people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also requires single-stall restrooms to meet accessibility requirements.

Why do we need gender-neutral bathrooms?

In the Sylvia Rivera Law Project report, transgender and gender variant people face severe access problems in sex-segregated facilities such as restrooms, locker rooms, shelters, inpatient drug treatment facilities, prisons, and jails. Public facilities should be accessible to everyone equally. There should be no fear of violence or harassment in these facilities. If you want to get a sense of what it’s like for gender-nonconforming people, consider going into the restroom of the opposite sex or looking for a gender-neutral bathroom in a public space.

Safety in Public Restrooms is a Right 

Using a public restroom safely isn’t a privilege; it’s a right. The use of gender-neutral restrooms isn’t limited to transgender people either. Many people who do not identify as transgender but do not appear stereotypically male or female may experience harassment in sex-segregated facilities. Fathers and mothers caring for daughters and sons would also benefit from gender-neutral restrooms. Disabled people may also prefer a gender-neutral bathroom if they have a caretaker of a different gender helping them.

Benefits of Inclusive Use Restrooms

The implementation of inclusive use restrooms brings numerous benefits to both individuals and society as a whole. Firstly, these restrooms foster a sense of belonging and acceptance, reinforcing the idea that everyone is entitled to equal rights and opportunities. By providing safe spaces, we promote inclusivity, which in turn leads to a more cohesive and understanding society.

Furthermore, inclusive use restrooms contribute to the overall well-being of individuals. They alleviate the stress and anxiety that can arise from feeling excluded or unwelcome in traditional bathrooms. When individuals feel comfortable and safe, they can better participate fully in public life, boosting their overall mental and emotional health.

Promoting Inclusivity

To promote the use of inclusive restrooms, it is important to raise awareness and educate the public on the importance of inclusivity. This can be done through public campaigns, signage, and inclusive language in policies and regulations. By advocating for and implementing inclusive use restrooms, we take a significant step toward creating a more equitable and inclusive society.

Takeaway 

This new proposal will create harm for transgender people in the UK. It is essential to fight for transgender rights regarding this issue and against proposals and policies that will negatively impact the lives of transgender people. 

For more LGBTQ+ news, follow our blog at LGBTQ and ALL. 

** use of gendered language in article according to research