The government is cracking down on gender-neutral toilets, making single-sex facilities the default in all new public buildings and major refurbishments. This move is part of a wider push to protect single-sex spaces across the country.
Single-Sex Toilets to Become the Norm
New rules will mandate that all new non-residential buildings and those undergoing significant upgrades must include separate male and female toilets as standard. The government is also promoting self-contained toilets—fully enclosed cubicles with their own sinks—for individual use. Disabled toilet access remains unchanged, according to officials.
Kemi Badenoch Sounds the Alarm on Privacy
Minister for Equalities Kemi Badenoch slammed the rise of gender-neutral toilets, saying they have “compromised privacy and dignity,” especially for women. She promised strict guidance to ensure new buildings provide either separate male and female facilities or clearly defined unisex options.
“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,” said Badenoch.
Public Feedback Fuels New Regulations
The government’s decision comes after receiving over 17,000 responses to a public consultation on toilet accessibility. Many respondents highlighted the need for improved dignity, privacy, and equality in public toilets.
Baroness Scott Backs Women’s Privacy
Baroness Scott, Parliamentary Undersecretary for Faith and Communities, reinforced the government’s commitment to restoring privacy and dignity for women in public spaces. She said the new rules will make women’s comfort a priority in toilet design moving forward.
