Gender-neutral toilets at two secondary schools in Angus, Scotland, will remain following a recent Supreme Court ruling that clarified the definition of "sex" under the Equality Act 2010. The unanimous judgement, delivered last month, established that 'sex' is to be interpreted as biological sex, prompting various councils in the region, including Angus Council, to reassess their policies regarding mixed-sex toilets.
In statements provided to The Courier (Dundee), a spokesperson for Angus Council affirmed that their existing facilities comply with legal requirements, as no school under their jurisdiction operates exclusively with mixed-sex toilets. The council noted that Arbroath High School features two toilet blocks with separate cubicles accessible to all students, alongside dedicated male and female toilet blocks and single-occupancy rooms usable by any student.
Furthermore, the spokesperson indicated, “Officers are considering the implications across the council’s operating areas,” referencing the Supreme Court ruling in the case of For Women Scotland Limited v Scottish Ministers, dated April 16. They confirmed there are no current plans to modify the layout of the new Monifieth High School, which is valued at £66.5 million and is scheduled for completion and handover in July. The new facility will include a variety of provisions, ensuring designated male and female toilets, alongside unisex single-occupancy rooms, unisex accessible toilets, and Changing Places facilities.
In contrast, developments in neighbouring Perth and Kinross Council have been influenced by a recent ruling from the Court of Session, which mandates that Scottish schools must provide single-sex toilets for pupils. This decision arose from a challenge concerning a primary school in the Borders that had exclusively gender-neutral toilet facilities. Currently, Perth and Kinross Council operates nine schools with mixed-sex facilities, six of which also provide separate male and female toilets. The remaining three schools feature design layouts with floor-to-ceiling cubicles intended for semi-open plan areas, allowing for potential future reallocation of these facilities to distinguish between male and female toilets.
As educational institutions navigate the implications of legal rulings related to gender and facilities, Angus Council is positioned to maintain its current approach without immediate alterations, while neighbouring regions assess their compliance factors in light of recent judicial decisions.
Source: Noah Wire Services