Single-sex toilets will be mandatory in all new schools and hospitals

Tory ministers today announced that all new public buildings will have to have separate toilets for men and women, despite the rise of gender neutral and universal facilities

The government is curbing the rise of gender-neutral toilets (

Image: Sunday mirror)

All new public buildings will be required to have separate toilets for men and women, Tory ministers announced today.

The change - which is expected to apply to public office buildings, schools, hospitals and entertainment venues - was approved by ministers last month.

A former consultation will now be launched this fall, which will also examine the design of unisex cubicles to "maximize privacy".

New buildings will be allowed to have neutral or universal toilets, but only if there is room after the construction of single-sex toilets.

This is the latest government intervention in the heated debate over how to address the rights and needs of transgender people.

Trans rights activists say gender-neutral toilets can reassure trans and non-binary people who fear discrimination.

But the Department of Upgrading, Housing and Communities said: "The increase in the number of 'gender neutral' toilets has raised safety concerns from women who feel they are losing their privacy and being unfairly disadvantaged.

Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch pioneered change

"The approach means that women, who may need to use the facilities more often, for example due to pregnancy and sanitary needs, have appropriate facilities."

The changes will be made through changes to building regulations and guidelines, and will not affect rules on disabled toilets, the government said.

Equality Minister Kemi Badenoch described it as a 'common sense approach'.

She added: "It is essential that women feel safe and comfortable when using public facilities, and that their needs are met.

“These changes will ensure that separate toilets for men and women are maintained while providing universal toilets for those who want them.”

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