Recent internal disputes within the United Kingdom’s Civil Service have raised questions about values, particularly in relation to matters of gender and identity. Here’s what happened.
Ideological Clash
The controversy centers on differing perspectives on gender identity, with some civil servants expressing concerns about the rise of what they see as overly progressive ideologies.
The conflict came to light through the activities of the Sex Equality and Equity Network (SEEN), a group of civil servants who advocate for what they refer to as “gender-critical” views.
According to SEEN, they hold the belief that biological sex is binary and immutable. This perspective has put them at odds with colleagues and advocates of more fluid interpretations of gender identity.
One online meeting turned particularly bitter when SEEN members were accused of “holding views that resemble Nazism.”
Want to “Destroy” the LGBT+ Community?
The clash between these competing viewpoints escalated further when one SEEN member was accused of wanting to “destroy” the LGBT+ community.
The divisiveness of these exchanges was such that at least one SEEN member felt compelled to leave the meeting in protest.
In response to these allegations, a government spokesman said, “As required by the Civil Service Code, and as the public rightly expects, all civil servants must act impartially. Where any individual is found to be breaking the Civil Service Code, appropriate action will be taken.”
“Woke Takeover”
However, this controversy is not isolated but is part of a broader trend. Some civil servants argue that the civil service is experiencing what they describe as a “woke takeover” regarding issues related to gender identity and trans rights.
More than 40 high-ranking officials from various government departments penned a letter to Cabinet Secretary Simon Case, expressing their concerns about the climate within the civil service.
“Serious Harassment” at Work
The letter argues that staff are facing “serious harassment” at work if they hold gender-critical views.
“Many of us have experienced some form of professional disadvantage because we do not believe that the concept of gender identity is meaningful, or that it is more important than sex. Several of us have been through stressful and intrusive employment disputes,” the letter read.
“We are concerned that the widespread incorporation of the concept of ‘gender identity’ into the language and internal policies of the Civil Service constitutes a significant breach of impartiality,” it added.
Can’t Use the Phrase “Mum and Dad”
Claims have also emerged that civil servants have been encouraged to use gender-neutral language and refrain from using phrases such as “mum and dad.”
Additionally, there are reports of debates over whether to allow biological men who identify as women to use female bathrooms.
While the Cabinet Office acknowledged the concerns raised in the letter, it also affirmed its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Cabinet Secretary Simon Case responded to the letter, indicating that senior civil service leaders take these matters seriously.
“How on Earth Did We Get Here?”
Several social media users shared their thoughts on the incident.
One Twitter user wrote, “This is beyond worrying. How on earth did we get here?”
Another user added, “Terrible that people are being forced to pretend they agree with stuff just to keep their jobs.”
A third user commented, “‘Gender critical’ people consider anyone who expresses opposing views as them being bullied.”
A fourth user wrote, “So it is the age-old fight of the people on the left calling the right Nazis and the people on the right calling the people on the left commies. And most people are in the middle.”
The post Gender-Critical Views “Resemble Nazism” – Colleagues Clash in Civil Service Diversity Meeting first appeared on The Net Worth Of.
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