The following motion submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 12 of the Meeting Procedure Rules has been proposed by Councillor L-J Evans and seconded by Councillor Lisa Lewis:-
“That Council resolves to use gender-neutral language in all reports and formal communications, both verbal and written, in accordance with its commitment to uphold the 9 protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and in combating prejudice and discrimination.”
Minutes:
Councillor L-J Evans moved the following motion on the use of gender-neutral language which was seconded by Councillor Lisa Lewis:
“That Council resolves to use gender-neutral language in all reports and formal communications, both verbal and written, in accordance with its commitment to uphold the 9 protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and in combating prejudice and discrimination.”
In presenting the motion Councillor Evans referred to the use of masculine words such as Chairman and Vice-Chairman, regardless of gender, as unnecessary, inaccurate and that they reinforced gender stereotypes. Councillor Evans explained the expectations in brining this motion to Council which included:
· the removal of male universals such as Chairman and Vice-Chairman from the Constitution, policies and all written and verbal communications and to replace them with gender neutral terms such as chair unless that is the form of address chosen by the individual incumbent.
· to use gender neutral language where an individual sex or social gender are not relevant or not known.
Councillor Evans highlighted the importance of this proposal that words matter as language reflects and influences attitudes, behaviours and perceptions. The use of gender-neutral language was a way to avoid implying that one sex or social gender was the norm and that gender-neutral writing was about clarity, inclusion and equality. Councillor Evans referred to the current practices operated, the statistics and the reason from making changes now in view of the importance of equality which was protected by law.
Councillor Lewis seconded the proposal reported that this approach was already operated in the civil service and by many local authorities and explained the importance of the use of gender-neutral language.
In considering the motion Councillors comments included that the use of language held a huge amount of power and it was important to show and promote equality and that this would make a difference and demonstrate the inclusivity of the Council and that this approach was long overdue. A Councillor felt that language did not combat discrimination but attitude did and as a Council had not noticed any disrespect and asked if the proposal would require that all reports do not mention he or she which would be a cost and time commitment.
The Chairman having sought advice asked Councillor Dunlop to clarify her proposal. Councillor Dunlop confirmed that she wished to propose a motion without notice in accordance with Appendix 1 procedure rule 9 paragraph 4 of the Constitution.
The Monitoring Officer reported that Councillor Dunlop wanted to bring a notice without motion to refer this matter to Overview and Scrutiny. Councillor Dunlop confirmed that was the case and the Monitoring Officer indicated this was permissible under Appendix 1.
A Councillor referred to the unconscious bias in language that he used Chair and not chairman, supported the motion and the guidance provided by central government. It was highlighted that this was a minor motion but would make a difference to those to which it applied and would make a positive effect for those who suffer such bias. A Councillor requested to hear from the Equalities Lead Member before voting on the motion.
Councillor Dunlop presented the motion without notice to refer the original motion to another Committee. Members were advised that Councillor Dunlop supported the spirit of the proposed motion but felt that there was confusion over the purpose and detail and that it could impact on amendments already agreed to the Constitution. Councillor Dunlop suggested that the matter be referred back to the Audit and Governance Committee and the Constitution Working Group. Councillor Dunlop moved the following motion without notice:
To note that there is an inconsistent use of gender terms in BCP Council’s Constitution, policies and communications and that Council refers the matter to the Audit and Governance Committee to review the Constitution with the purpose of removing gender specific determination when describing roles within BCP Council including from the Constitution, policies and communications and to be replaced with gender neutral terms.
The above was seconded by Councillor Mellor.
The Chief Executive explained that the Constitution allowed for the motion to be referred to another Committee, but it did not allow for a change in wording. Therefore, the motion without notice should be that the motion be referred to the Audit and Governance Committee for it to be considered through the Constitution Review Working Group.
Councillor Evans indicated that referring it back to Audit and Governance Committee seemed to be a backward step and Councillors should be given the chance to vote accordingly on the original motion. In referring to the recommendation from the Audit and Governance Committee considered earlier Councillor Evans felt that the motion did not negate that decision.
Councillors then voted on the following motion moved by Councillor Dunlop and seconded by Councillor Mellor:
That the motion be referred to the Audit and Governance Committee for it to be considered through the Constitution Review Working Group.
Voting - For – 38, Against – 32, Abstention – 2
Councillor Farquhar wished to be recorded as voting against the above decision.