Question on bathroom wiring:

My understanding is that the 2011 NEC allows for a single 20A branch circuit to supply all electrical requirements for a single bathroom, as long as that bathroom is the only room on that circuit. (NEC 210.11.C3)

GFCI protection is required on all receptacles in a bathroom.

Does this mean I can put the GFCI downstream of light switches? I have an electrican telling me the opposite - that the light switches have to be downstream of the GFCI. This seems to be a more risky scenario because someone will be left in the dark if they pop the GFCI.

I also have a similar situation outside...I need to supply an electric gate with power. If I wire a couple outdoor receptacles in the same circuit, can they be downstream of the electric gate?