New Quebec Policy Prohibiting Gender-Neutral Bathrooms in Schools Takes Effect

Quebec’s new rules prohibiting the construction of shared gender-neutral bathrooms in schools will be enforced starting on May 1.

The government mandate stipulates that all new bathrooms and locker rooms in schools throughout the province must be designated for either boys or girls.

School service centers must, however, ensure that any student who wishes to use an individual universal bathroom has access to one.

Education Minister Bernard Drainville issued the directive following news that a high school in Rouyn-Noranda, in the northwest of the province, was initiating efforts to provide gender-neutral bathrooms for its students by the 2024-25 school year.

The government established an expert panel in December to propose recommendations by the upcoming winter on how the province can accommodate gender diverse individuals.

However, Mr. Drainville informed reporters on May 1 that his bathroom rule can move forward as he doesn’t anticipate the panel will recommend otherwise.

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“It’s a question of well-being, privacy, and respect for private life,” Mr. Drainville remarked.