Panic among KZN parents over unisex toilets at schools

Parents and religious groups have once again slammed the Department of Education for proposing to introduce ‘unisex’ toilets in South African schools saying it will increase cases of sexual abuse. They have launched an online petition to try and prevent the department from implementing its proposal.

The panic relates to a single section (7.12 on bathroom and change facilities) of the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) draft guidelines for the socio-educational inclusion of diverse sexual orientations, gender identity, expression, and sex characteristics in schools.

South Coast parent and community activist, Jessica Naicker told the South Coast Herald that they strongly oppose the proposed move from government to introduce unisex bathrooms, saying that it defies logic to accommodate the minority whilst the majority will be inconvenienced and the most vulnerable will be put at risk.

She says that it is a moral, ethical and religious infringement.

“We are actively involved within schools and with counselling, there already are too many cases of abuse within schools, children are exposed to things they should never be exposed to at their age, having bathroom facilities that can be used by both males and females will only increase the number of sexual abuse incidents, rape, and pregnancies. Those with sexual addictions and sexual predators will use this to their benefit,” says Naicker.

“Should the Department feel the need to accommodate children that are having issues identifying with who they are then the solution is to build separate bathrooms to accommodate them. Biblically, God created male and female, and the same God that created Adam and Eve is the same God that reigns today. He is not the author of confusion. We as parents and a community would love to have the peace of mind knowing that when our children go to school their rights are respected and that they will be safe,” she says.

Also read: Unisex bathrooms in SA schools: Draft guidelines cause uproar

Meanwhile, the Department says the draft guidelines were developed to assist school administrators, leaders and educators with developing and implementing strategies for a safe, equitable, and socially just learning environment for all learners, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression and sex characteristics.

It adds that the guidelines emphasise a practical approach and tools to widen an inclusive schooling environment that aligns with constitutional values, and that affirm and protect diverse learners.

A petition on change.org, started by a parent who is opposed to ‘mix gender toilets’ have garnered over 120 000 signatures.