A few questions, Prime Minister
Which human rights count, Prime Minister?
You stood on the debating stage and shrugged as you dismissed rights enshrined in our Human Rights Act.
Whose comfort counts, Prime Minister?
You said everyone should use the bathroom they are comfortable in, but what happens when one person’s comfort creates discomfort for those who sex-segregation is meant to protect?
Why do you think we have sex-segregated toilets, Prime Minister?
You can find the short answer in Section 43 of our Human Rights Act — public decency and public safety.[1] Historically, there were no facilities for women and girls. The public space was the male space and what they called the ‘urinary leash’ kept women close to home. Hard work and campaigning by women brought about first the provision of women’s toilets and then laws and policies to ensure that we were always provided.
In developing countries, aid agencies prioritise the building of separate toilets for women and girls. It is one of the first actions they take. Why? Because the availability of safe and sex-segregated toilets markedly improves their quality of life. They reduce rape, sexual assaults, health issues associated with ‘holding on’ too long, and much greater attendance at school.[2]
