Gloucestershire Council to become gender neutral by banning words like 'Chairman'

'The use of gendered language is part of the micro-oppression women experience on a daily basis'

Gloucestershire County Council (pictured) have already adopted gender neutral terms in some areas of operation (Google)

A council is to consider plans to make itself gender neutral by banning terms such as 'chairman', 'his' and 'hers'.

Officials at Gloucestershire County Council will discuss proposals to ditch traditional words used to refer to men and women.

The move would see words changed to avoid bias or prejudice towards a particular sex or gender.

Pronouns such as he/she, him/her and his/hers could be changed to they/them/theirs.

The plans would remove gender-specific terms from their dialogue - including when referring to the public.

The council has already introduced gender-neutral language in more public-facing areas such as its register of a death service.

An example includes: "Their bus pass and/or blue badge, if they had one".

Green Party Councillor Rachel Smith, who will submit the item for debate at the Constitution Committee, said people "need to be inclusive to fall in line with our democracy".

She said: "Unfortunately, 100 years on from women's suffrage, local authorities are still very far from being gender balanced, and at Gloucestershire County Council, out of 53 elected members, only 10 are women.

"The use of gendered language is part of the micro-oppression women experience on a daily basis.

"I hope that by bringing these suggestions to constitution committee, it will create the opportunity for a debate on these issues."

Councillor Smith added she has concerns the proposal will not be welcomed.

The committee will also consider replacing the language in relation to the position of chair - not only in the constitution but also in documents such as meetings, agendas and minutes.

Such a move would mean that chairman would become chair or chairperson.

Councillor Smith will put forward the item on March 12.

SWNS