The Cabinet Office has scrapped a series of “gender inclusion” workshops after civil servants complained they were “scientifically nonsensical”.
The letter of complaint, sent by the Women’s Rights Network (WRN), contained a detailed analysis of the contents of the session and an explanation of why it was problematic.
It alleged that rights of women and lesbians were “overridden” in the workshops, where “beliefs” – such as the ability of humans to change their sex – “were presented as fact”.
According to the complaint, the trainer claimed that people who did not accept gender identity are “devious” and “not qualified to give an opinion”.
The trainer also said that refusing the label “cisgender” – a term to note someone whose gender identity corresponds with their sex registered at birth – is a “dogwhistle” for transphobia.
The letter added that as a result of the concerns raised by WRN, a:gender’s content will be subject to a review and they will be supported to “ensure that any future content aligns to the diversity and inclusion strategy”.
It comes after a report found that one million civil service days a year are wasted on equality and diversity training.
The letter added that as a result of the concerns raised by WRN, a:gender’s content will be subject to a review and they will be supported to “ensure that any future content aligns to the diversity and inclusion strategy”.
It comes after a report found that one million civil service days a year are wasted on equality and diversity training.
A Government spokesperson said: “The workshop, which was voluntary, has been stopped and we are reviewing its contents to ensure they meet impartiality requirements. We are absolutely clear that the rights and voices of women must not be infringed.”
A:gender declined to comment.
Source: Cabinet Office scraps ‘gender inclusion’ workshops after complaints from civil servants