The Government has revealed it will act on the rising number of gender-neutral toilets across the UK.
Following consultation with over 17,000 people, the Government announced it would be bringing forward changes to regulations.
These changes will mean all new non-domestic public and private buildings will be required to provide a separate single-sex toilet for women and men and/or a self-contained, private toilet as a minimum.
Why is the Government clamping down on gender-neutral toilets?
The Government said the change comes amid "dignity and privacy concerns" from women and elderly people "who feel they are being unfairly disadvantaged as publicly accessible toilets are increasingly being converted into gender-neutral facilities".
The Gov.uk website said: "Concerns over the rise of neutral gender facilities has meant that public have been forced to share cubicle and hand-washing facilities, leading to increasing waiting in shared queues, decreased choice and a limitation on privacy and dignity for all.
The Government has made changes to regulations to clamp down on the rise in gender neutral toilets. (Image: PA)
"New regulations and guidance will mean women, who may need to use facilities more often because of pregnancy or sanitary needs, will now be guaranteed appropriate facilities either through a separate single-sex space or through a self-contained, private toilet."
In addition, the new regulations will also encourage the consideration of self-contained toilets, which are fully enclosed and include a wash hand basin.
These changes will only affect England.
Minister for Women and Equalities, Kemi Badenoch, said: “It is important that everybody has privacy and dignity when using public facilities.
"Yet the move towards ‘gender neutral’ toilets has removed this fundamental right for women and girls.
“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.”
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