(CP) Sutton Council in south London has reportedly told employees to stop asking for people’s “Christian” names, advising them as an alternative to make use of “first name, forename or given name.” The council has also directed staff to remove other religious and sex-based terms, it has been claimed.
Officials at Sutton Council have told employees they need to not ask members of the general public for his or her “Christian” name, in line with The Telegraph. Instead, the council’s staff are advised to make use of “first name, forename, or given name” in a recent 13-page document that focuses on “inclusive” language.
The guidance issued by the council, run by the Liberal Democrats, states that references to religion needs to be avoided unless the subject in query demands it, The Sun reported.
The document also advises council employees to avoid language that might be labeled as ageist, including refraining from using “kids” for those younger than 30 or “pensioners” for people over 65.
The direction is a component of a bigger suggestion against labels similar to “mature workforce” or “vibrant team,” which the council contends can unintentionally offend or exclude.
The guide, assembled by “diversity experts,” reads: “Using incorrect or outdated language can perpetuate, contribute to, or cause bias, prejudice and discrimination.”
The guide also urges employees to eliminate gender-specific words like “manpower,” recommending “workforce” as an alternative. Meeting leaders are instructed to be known as the “chair” somewhat than “chairman.” The council recommends this as a method to align each day interactions with an evolving standard of “inclusivity.”
Toby Young, founding father of the Free Speech Union, criticized the document. “This is woke hyper-sensitivity taken to ridiculous lengths,” Young told The Sun. “I’ve never met a Jew, a Muslim, or an atheist offended by the words ‘Christian name.'”
GB News quoted Young as saying that these directives exceed normal considerations of courtesy.
Officials at Sutton Council sought to make clear that the guidance shouldn’t be a compulsory policy.
“We haven’t banned the word Christian. Our inclusive language guide has been created in collaboration with our staff to assist them support our balanced and diverse community,” a council spokesperson was quoted as saying. “Most forms that British residents are asked to finish seek advice from first name and surname, so our guide reflects common usage today.”
Similar directives have been introduced by other local governments within the British capital.
Hackney Council distributed a 17-page guide that directs employees to desert “Sir/Madam” in favour of more general greetings similar to “Dear colleagues.” Hackney’s suggestions also involve using “individuals who turn out to be pregnant” as an alternative of “expected moms.”
Westminster Council, which was nicknamed “Wokeminster” by its own chief executive after decorating a significant shopping area with trans-inclusive pride flags, has reportedly issued similar guidelines.
