Gender-neutral toilets will be mandatory by 2026 in California schools
Schools in California will be required to have gender-neutral restrooms by 2026, the state's governor, Gavin Newsom, has announced. This announcement comes as a debate around these toilets rages in Quebec.
"California is proud to have some of the strongest laws in the country when it comes to protecting and supporting our LGBTQ+ community," the Democratic congressman said in a statement.Under Bill 760, schools will be required to have at least one gender-neutral bathroom by July 1, 2026. These toilets must be able to be used by students during school hours and during breaks between classes. Each gender-neutral washroom must be clearly signposted that the washroom is open to all genders and genders.
If schools cannot ensure the safety of students using these toilets, it could be forced to close temporarily.
Senator Josh Newman, who sponsored the bill, applauded the governor's action. He told CNN it was "right that everyone has access to a restroom without fear of intimidation or stigma." He hoped the law would serve as a model for other states.
Recall that on September 6, California made history by designating August as the month of transgender history, a first in the United States and probably on the planet.
California Governor Gavin Newsom
A debate that is not newIn the United States, the presence of gender-neutral toilets in schools has been controversial for years.
Already in 2016, North Carolina passed a law requiring people who use public restrooms
and locker rooms to use them according to their gender indicated on their birth certificate.
The measure has since been repealed, after drawing strong criticism from businesses and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
Earlier this year, a law went into effect in Idaho banning trans students from using public school restrooms that do not match their assigned sex at birth. A federal judge, however, temporarily blocked the law.
"California is proud to have some of the strongest laws in the country when it comes to protecting and supporting our LGBTQ+ community," the Democratic congressman said in a statement.Under Bill 760, schools will be required to have at least one gender-neutral bathroom by July 1, 2026. These toilets must be able to be used by students during school hours and during breaks between classes. Each gender-neutral washroom must be clearly signposted that the washroom is open to all genders and genders.
If schools cannot ensure the safety of students using these toilets, it could be forced to close temporarily.
Senator Josh Newman, who sponsored the bill, applauded the governor's action. He told CNN it was "right that everyone has access to a restroom without fear of intimidation or stigma." He hoped the law would serve as a model for other states.
Recall that on September 6, California made history by designating August as the month of transgender history, a first in the United States and probably on the planet.
California Governor Gavin Newsom
A debate that is not newIn the United States, the presence of gender-neutral toilets in schools has been controversial for years.
Already in 2016, North Carolina passed a law requiring people who use public restrooms
and locker rooms to use them according to their gender indicated on their birth certificate.
The measure has since been repealed, after drawing strong criticism from businesses and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.
Earlier this year, a law went into effect in Idaho banning trans students from using public school restrooms that do not match their assigned sex at birth. A federal judge, however, temporarily blocked the law.