Halifax has told customers if they disagree with staff having pronouns on their badges, they can close their accounts.
The bank had earlier shared a photograph on social media of one of the badges with ‘she/her/hers’ under the name Gemma.
Organisations including Stonewall praised the move as they said it was “great” that workplaces such as Halifax are offering staff to option to include pronouns on their badges.
“Having pronouns on badges is a simple yet impactful way to make sure LGBTQ+ identities are respected – for employees and customers alike,” Stonewall said.
However, some customers took issue with the bank’s tweet and hit out at the move.
In response to one who suggested the bank was “trying to alienate” people, the bank defended its decision.
“We strive for inclusion, equality and quite simply, in doing what’s right,” they responded.
“If you disagree with your values, you’re welcome to close your account.”
Halifax further clarified the reason that they are giving staff the option to include pronouns on their name badges.
“We want to create a safe and accepting environment that opens the conversation around gender identity,” the bank said.
“We care about our customers and colleagues preferences. For us, it’s a very simply solution to accidental misgendering.”
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