Campaigners for gender equality claim that the Alan Turing Institute’s billboard warning women not to approach someone they believe is in the incorrect restroom causes “women to feel frightened.”
The billboard advises visitors to “go on with their day” rather than voice their concerns if they believe someone is using the “wrong” bathroom. It is located in the restrooms of the UK’s data science and artificial intelligence research institute at the British Library in London.
According to a representative who talked to The Daily Telegraph, the signs were placed up to help trans and non-binary persons feel more at ease using the restrooms of their choice and “to guarantee that everyone feels secure and respected.”
However, Maya Forstater, the executive director of the advocacy organisation Sex Matters, asserted: “Single-sex restrooms are offered for both men and women for a purpose — privacy and dignity, particularly for women.
Many women feel frightened because of these signals. They are aware that they will be unable to object or speak out if a male chooses to follow them into the women’s restroom.
The Turing Institute should provide a gender-neutral restroom option in addition to the male and female facilities. In this manner, everyone is taken care of.
Do you think someone is using the “wrong” restroom, the placard asks? Please refrain from making them feel uncomfortable by challenging them or staring at them.
They are using the spaces in which they are most at ease. Don’t take it away from them, please.
“Instead, kindly respect their identity and privacy, go about your day, and keep them safe.
Everyone has a right to be present in this place, in this workplace, and in this globe.
The pioneering mathematician known for his work at Bletchley Park, the UK’s codebreaking centre during World War II, inspired the name of the 2015-founded Alan Turing Institute.
Mr. Turing was chemically castrated after being found guilty of homosexuality and gross obscenity in 1952.
His security clearance was revoked after his conviction, and he was prohibited from working for GCHQ. He committed suicide in 1954.
The Queen formally pardoned Mr. Turing in 2014.
The “Alan Turing statute,” which increased the retroactive exoneration of males convicted of past indecency offences, was implemented by the government three years later.