What Christians Should Know About the "All-Gender" Toilet Debate

A new poll finds most Australians prefer single-sex bathrooms as a building code change sparks debate about privacy, safety, and human dignity.

Key points:

The Australian Building Codes Board has proposed a change that would give developers the option to replace up to half of all single-sex toilets in public buildings with ‘all-gender’ facilities. State governments can reject the change before 1 May 2026.
A poll commissioned by the ACL found 87 per cent of Australians prefer single-sex bathrooms, rising to 90 per cent among women, with privacy and safety cited as the top concerns.
ACL CEO Michelle Pearse told Hope 103.2 the changes are “completely out of step with what Australians want” and encouraged Christians to contact their local MP and stay informed.

A proposed change to Australia’s building code has quietly sparked a significant conversation about privacy, safety, and what it means to be made male and female. For Christians, it is worth understanding what is being proposed and why it matters.

Hope 103.2’s Ben McEachen caught up with Australian Christian Lobby CEO Michelle Pearse to talk through what’s being proposed, why it matters, and how Christians can respond.

What is being proposed?

The Australian Building Codes Board has put forward a change to the National Construction Code (NCC) that would give developers the option to replace up to half of all single-sex toilets in public buildings with “all-gender” facilities. This could apply to schools, workplaces, shopping centres and sporting venues.

Importantly, the change is voluntary. Developers are not being forced to make the switch, and state and territory governments retain the power to reject the proposal entirely. The Tasmanian Government has already done so. Other states have until 1 May 2026 to decide.

What do Australians think?

A poll commissioned by the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) found that 87 per cent of Australians prefer single-sex bathrooms. Among women, that figure rose to 90 per cent. Privacy and safety were the top concerns raised.

ACL Chief Executive Officer Michelle Pearse told Hope 103.2 the proposed changes are “completely out of step with what Australians want”.

Why does this matter for Christians?

Mrs Pearse said the ACL’s involvement comes down to two things: the protection of the vulnerable and the dignity of the human person.

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“As Christians we have to stand strong in the belief that God made us male and female,” she said.

For many Christians, this is not simply a political question. It touches on a foundational understanding of human identity, and the particular responsibility the Church has always felt toward protecting women, children and those who are vulnerable.

That does not mean engaging with anger or alarm. But it does mean staying informed, thinking carefully, and being willing to speak with both conviction and grace.

How can you respond?

Mrs Pearse encouraged Australians to make their voices heard respectfully and constructively. That might look like:

Emailing your local member of parliament

Visiting your MP in person to share your concerns

Having informed conversations with family and friends

The ACL has resources to help you engage. Visit acl.org.au to find out more.

Listen to the full interview with Michelle Pearse in the player above.

This article was prepared with AI assistance and then carefully reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by our Digital Team.

Feature image: Canva Pro

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Hope 103.2 is Sydney’s home for positive, encouraging radio. Our team of writers, broadcasters, and contributors cover news, faith, culture, and lifestyle from a Christian perspective.