Council considers using gender-neutral term Mx
Acouncil debating the use of the gender-neutral title Mx as well as Mr and Mrs has been accused of “taking away choice” by protesters.
Oxford city council said forms should include the option after a complaint from a headteacher. But councillors also suggested that honorifics could be phased out completely in the future, if the decision goes ahead.
Supporters believe this would help make the local authority as inclusive as possible in a move following the example of government departments, high street banks, universities and the DVLA.
The suggestion to use Mx was welcomed by Oxford Pride, but chairman Rob Jordon said he did not support scrapping titles altogether.
He said: "This is a progressive step that can only be welcomed. By giving someone the option to use the title they already use every day in official forms and other areas it shows the council is listening to people.
There is still work to be done to promote equality and diversity within our workforce Cllr Tom Hayes
"But the thing about removing titles completely is you are taking away choice rather than just adding it."
The recommendation came after a council review of equality and diversity said lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender staff were reluctant to reveal their sexuality in surveys.
The council is also reconsidering its position as a champion of LGBT charity Stonewall.
SCHOOL MADNESS
The review took place after an Oxford headteacher said schools should stop referring to pupils as girls in case it upsets those who question their gender identity.
Caroline Jordan, headmistress of the independent Headington School, said teachers should instead use gender-neutral words such as 'pupils' or 'students'.
Cllr Tom Hayes, Vice Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, who led the review, said there was more to do to complete the long march to equality.
He said: “There is still work to be done to promote equality and diversity within our workforce - that includes dismantling barriers faced by under-represented groups.”
Caroline Jordan, headmistress of the independent Headington School, said teachers should instead use gender-neutral words such as 'pupils' or 'students'.
Cllr Tom Hayes, Vice Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, who led the review, said there was more to do to complete the long march to equality.
He said: “There is still work to be done to promote equality and diversity within our workforce - that includes dismantling barriers faced by under-represented groups.”
