The DUP has questioned Belfast Council gender identity guidance on public toilets, shower and changing facilities.
At Belfast City Council’s recent Strategic Policy and Resources Committee (February 18), elected members were asked to approve a document entitled “Gender Identity and Expression - Guidance and Information for Managers and Staff.”
It forms part of the council’s Gender Action Plan and the LGBT+ Action Plan, and provides guidance for managers and staff on gender identity and expression, including information on how to support staff members who are transitioning.
DUP Councillor Sarah Bunting said: “We welcome this guidance to managers to support our trans gender, non binary and gender diverse staff, and we appreciate the engagement that has taken place with trans gender groups to shape this.
“We are aware this is a sensitive issue, and that some staff may have concerns about some of the recommendations around shared toilets and showers. Can I ask will these recommendations include public facilities in council premises, such as community centres.
“Can I also ask what engagement or consultation has taken place with external groups and networks to ensure that all staff feel supported and that any concerns are being listened to from staff and the public.”
The city solicitor John Walsh said he “would get back” on those specific issues, adding that the document was “simply dealing with the issues of interaction at this point” and “not on those more detailed issues.” The document has nothing specifically on use of toilets, showers or changing facilities.
Councillor Sarah Bunting said: “We just want clarification because we know there are some staff concerns around it, and we want to know has there been consultation going on so that all staff feel supported.”
Sinn Fein Councillor Ciaran Beattie asked: “Does this mean the DUP have an issue with transgender people using toilets?”
Councillor Sarah Bunting replied “The DUP do not have issues with trans gender people using toilets. We just want to ensure that all staff have been consulted.”
A council officer said: “There has been significant consultation, and we are compliant with the legislation on this.” The guidance was agreed without DUP objection, and without a DUP motion.
The council report on the guidance states: “The aim of this guidance is to make clear Belfast City Council’s commitment to creating an inclusive workplace for transgender, trans, non-binary and gender diverse people.”
It states amongst its aims that “all staff including line managers and managers generally better understand the needs of transgender, trans, non-binary and gender diverse staff and are empowered to support and meet their needs.”
It adds that “discrimination and harassment against transgender, trans, non-binary and gender diverse people, whether by staff or third parties that BCC interacts with, will not be tolerated, and any allegations thereof will be dealt with in an effective manner.”
The guidance was developed in consultation with transgender support groups, Transgender NI, Focus The Identity Trust, SAIL, Stonewall, Cara Friend, as well as the Council’s Joint Negotiation and Consultative Committee.
Council officers are aiming to seek full council ratification of the document in March and launch the guidance as part of activities being planned to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31.
