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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

The myth of 'bathroom bans' harming 'cis' women

157 replies

ItsCoolForCats · 29/11/2025 11:10

What can we do to put this nonsense to bed?

Marie Goldman, the Lib Dem MP, has written to Bridget Phillipson about the leaked EHRC code of practice, and has posted this on her Facebook page:

"Imagine being turned away from a bathroom, a hospital, or even a cinema just for “not looking female enough”.

That’s exactly what the leaked EHRC guidance on single-sex services could lead to. Along with over 40 Lib Dem colleagues, I’ve written to the Minister for Women & Equalities to raise serious concerns.

The draft could have staff questioning anyone’s sex based on appearance and refusing access if there’s any doubt. That risks putting trans and non-binary people – and all women and girls – in unsafe, humiliating situations.

It’s confusing, unworkable for businesses, and a backward step for equality. We urgently need new, inclusive, practical guidance that protects everyone’s rights, safety, and dignity".

The comments under her post are pretty wild (with a smattering of common sense). And when you click on the profile pictures of some of the 'women' claiming this will harm 'cis' women and is unenforceable, it is apparent within half a second of looking at their profile pictures that they are male. And of course there are the usual compliant women saying it's "cis het" men that are the issue.

Why can't people see this for what is? Emotional manipulation and blackmail designed to allow men to keep accessing women's single sex spaces. I find it astonishing that intelligent people fall for this.

OP posts:
OneBookTooMany · 06/12/2025 18:07

MalagaNights · 02/12/2025 13:35

Thanks for this it's interesting and important to understand the history of this.

What did women do before there were public toilets? How did they travel or go out to shop/ carry out business etc?

Did workplaces e.g factories provide separate toilets for women and men?

Public loos for ladies in department stores were part of the story of women's liberation-now middle class women shopping could stay out for longer. A small point but an important one.

Badslipperluck · 06/12/2025 19:12

Sorry haven't rtft and also apologies if this has been suggested before but a media campaign on how to tell the difference might be in order.? That way the overwhelming majority should be able to correctly sex the overwhelming majority.

TheKeatingFive · 06/12/2025 19:34

Badslipperluck · 06/12/2025 19:12

Sorry haven't rtft and also apologies if this has been suggested before but a media campaign on how to tell the difference might be in order.? That way the overwhelming majority should be able to correctly sex the overwhelming majority.

I can only imagine how much the TRAs would hate that 😭

SidewaysOtter · 07/12/2025 19:50

A friend has been challenged as to whether she is a woman (she is) when using the ladies’ loos. It does absolutely happen and she was quite upset by it, much as it was resolved quickly.

But I completely agree with PPs: the answer is not to allow anyone in for fear of causing offence, it’s to be bloody angry with the men who shoved their way into women’s spaces and made women question who is using their spaces. I don’t think I would have ever thought of whether or not I’d find a man in the women’s loos (except by accident) until the last 10 years or so.

feministmom4ever · 07/12/2025 20:03

I was once in a public restroom with a colleague who was mistaken for a man from behind. As soon as she turned around the woman realized her mistake. There was some awkward laughter and that was it. This was before the toilet issue had become so contentious and all I thought at the time was “that was weird.”

Grammarnut · 09/12/2025 13:22

MalagaNights · 02/12/2025 10:38

I'm going to ask anyone who raises this to first establish if they agree that women have the right to single sex spaces.

If they don't agree their point is irrelevant because they think men should be allowed in there anyway so stop pretending your motivation is women's feelings.

If they do agree I'll ask them how this should be arranged and enforced? If they think this 'downside' to the ehrc is not acceptable what's their alternative and better suggestion for women?

The social contract kept men out of women's spaces until trans arrived. We go back to that. If you are over the age of 8 and have/had a penis you use the men's facilities. Not a problem at all.

OpheliaWitchoftheWoods · 09/12/2025 15:10

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

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