No ‘Toilet Police’ Anticipated, Says Equality Chief Regarding Single-Sex Space Guidelines

The newly appointed head of the equality regulatory body has stated that there are no expectations for the emergence of a ‘toilet police’ in response to forthcoming guidelines on single-sex facilities. Dr. Mary-Ann Stephenson, chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), emphasized the importance of adhering to rules once these guidelines are made public.

In her first interview since taking the helm, Dr. Stephenson expressed confidence that mutual respect and acknowledgment of individual rights could lead to a resolution of potential issues. The guidance, developed following a unanimous ruling by the Supreme Court in April, clarifies that a woman is defined by her biological sex under the Equality Act 2010.

The EHRC’s recommendations, which were provided to the government three months ago, are yet to be officially published, a step that would grant the document legal authority. Aimed at assisting businesses and services—including women’s shelters, gyms, hospitals, and retail centers—the guidance outlines how to implement the Supreme Court ruling.

According to a leaked 300-page document reviewed, single-sex facilities should exclusively admit individuals of the same biological sex; otherwise, they lose their status as single-sex spaces. Hence, a trans woman, defined as someone who was assigned male at birth but identifies as female, would be prohibited from using women’s restrooms and changing areas.

The guidelines also suggest that businesses may reasonably require individuals to verify their eligibility for access to these facilities