Public support for gender-neutral toilets is dwindling, research suggests.
A poll has found that only one in three people (32 per cent) think public buildings should have shared bathrooms that can be used by anyone, as well as separate facilities for men and woman.
And barely one in 20 (five per cent) think only gender-neutral toilets should be on offer, down from nine per cent five years ago.
By contrast, the survey by YouGov found record support (59 per cent) for buildings having only separate single-sex toilets – up from 50 per cent two years ago.
The tracker poll also found fewer people feel comfortable using gender-neutral toilets in public places such as shopping centres, restaurants or theatres.
Only four in ten (41 per cent) said they were happy to use them, while 50 per cent were not.
Less than six years ago the opposite was true, with 49 per cent in favour and 42 per cent against.
It comes after a fightback by campaigners against gender ideology which led to the previous Tory government ruling that all new public buildings must have single-sex toilets.
Barely one in 20 (five per cent) think only gender-neutral toilets should be on offer, down from nine per cent five years ago (stock image)
A poll has found that only one in three people (32 per cent) think public buildings should have shared bathrooms that can be used by anyone (stock image)
Helen Joyce, of women’s rights charity Sex Matters, said: ‘Women and girls have never been comfortable sharing toilets with men, and most have felt distinctly unsafe doing so.
‘But in recent years pressure has built for women to ignore their own needs and preferences and accept gender-neutral facilities in order to demonstrate ‘inclusivity’.
‘Women first fought for single-sex toilets in the Victorian era to protect themselves from violence, assault and harassment at the hands of men in mixed facilities.
‘The same risks still exist today. The shift in public opinion reflects greater awareness of the issue and a growing willingness among women – and men – to reject emotional blackmail and voice their sincere concerns about the loss of single-sex spaces.’
