Transgender toilet suit sparks school review

A POSSIBLE anti-discrimination lawsuit by a transgender child's parent has opened the door to schools introducing unisex toilets.

A THREATENED anti-discrimination lawsuit by a parent of a transgender child has opened the door to Queensland schools introducing unisex toilets, change rooms and sports teams.

State Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek confirmed yesterday that a departmental review would likely lead to new guidelines for school principals to accommodate the "special needs" of gay and transgender children.

The review follows the decision of a state school this year to order a nine-year-old pupil to only use a disabled toilet after the child, who was born male, won the right to be recognised as a girl.

Parents of the child, known as "Emma", threatened to launch civil action and forced a backflip from the school.

Mr Langbroek ordered the review after the case but stressed yesterday that the new guidelines would apply on a "school-by-school" case and would not lead to mixed facilities being introduced across the school system.

"To supplement these policies, the department is developing guidelines to provide principals and school staff with practical information to help ensure the respectful treatment of all students, including same sex-attracted, transgender or inter-sex students," Mr Langbroek said.

"Despite media reports, no widespread changes to uniforms or facilities are being made in schools across Queensland, nor are they being considered."

Mr Langbroek said principals would introduce changes in consultation with the parents, but he could not rule out the possibility that, in smaller schools, a mixed toilet or changing room would be the only facility available to students.

He said schools would have to ensure safety for all students with any change in facilities.

"I would be confident with the principals making sure they were making decision that had children's safety as paramount," he said. "It's about giving school principals the advice they need to deal with individual circumstances if, or as, they arise."

The Queensland Teachers Union and P&Cs Queensland have backed the review.

Mr Langbroek confirmed the review after announcing that the Newman government would next year close six public schools: Fortitude Valley State School, Old Yarranlea State School, Toowoomba South State School, Stuart State School, Nyanda State High School and Charlton State School.

More than 500 students and 100 teachers will be affected and all students will receive an allowance of between $500 and $750 to help them move to a new school.

The QTU called on Mr Langbroek to explain the criteria he used to make the decision.

"He talks about viability, then he says it's not related to (National Assessment Program -- Literacy and Numeracy) results," QTU deputy secretary Kate Ruttiman said.

'We want a very clear understanding of why these schools are closing."

Additional reporting: AAP