Unisex toilets are set to become a legal requirement for all new bars, restaurants, offices and shopping centers under new laws proposed by the government.
Independent toilets for both sexes may be provided in addition to individual toilets or if there is insufficient space.
Nursing homes, hotels, schools, cells in custodial facilities and buildings used for early childhood are all exempt from the proposed legislation.
The law would only affect England and applies to new buildings as well as existing facilities that undergo a material change of use.
The government said that in a consultation on the proposals, 81% of respondents agreed “with the intention of separate toilet facilities for each sex”, while 82% “agreed with the intention of providing universal toilet facilities where space permits”.
It said women, the elderly and people with disabilities said they felt “unfairly disadvantaged” by gender-neutral toilet facilities, “where users share cubicles and handwashing facilities”.
“This leads to increased waiting in shared queues, less choice and less privacy and dignity,” the government said.
Minister for Women and Equality Kemi Badenoch stated that the legislation will put an end to “the emergence of so-called ‘gender-neutral’ mixed bathroom spaces, which deny privacy and dignity to men and women.
“Today’s announcement will also create better conditions for women so that our specific biological, health and sanitary needs are met,” she said.
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Meanwhile, Housing Minister Lee Rowley said: “We know that all members of society value safety, privacy and dignity, and this new legislation will help ensure that suitable facilities are available to everyone.
“It is vital that new buildings, especially in public spaces, serve the community with adequate sanitation facilities.”
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