Victorian government encouraging workers not to use ‘wife’, ‘husband’

THE Victorian Government has come under fire for encouraging workers to not use the words “wife” or “husband” to avoid offending LGBTI colleagues.

The Victorian Government has come under fire for encouraging workers to not use the words “wife” or “husband” to avoid offending LGBTI colleagues. Picture: Chris Eastman

THE Victorian Government has come under fire for encouraging workers to not use the words “wife” or “husband” to avoid offending LGBTI colleagues.

The recommendation was released in the Inclusive Language Guide earlier this year which says workers should avoid “heteronormative’’ terms and instead use works like ‘’partner” to refer to loved ones.

Minister for Equality Martin Foley has defended the document saying there was no ban, the guide suggests “you should try and avoid the use of husband and wife.’’

The recommendations have been labelled as over the top by Opposition spokesman Tim Smith.

“People should be respectful to everyone regardless of gender, religion, ethnicity, sexuality and appearance, but once again Daniel Andrews is dividing people with his over the top ideological nonsense,” Mr Smith said.

“Victorians are being swamped by a violent crime wave and skyrocketing electricity bills but Daniel Andrews is focused on people using heteronormative terms such as ‘husband’ and ‘wife’.

“This isn’t just creating unnecessary division it’s also a frightening waste of taxpayers’ money when respect and common sense is what’s needed.”

Mr Foley said language guidelines were standard practice.

“This is not a new document — and follows a long standing practice of government departments having guides on language,’’ he said.

“The facts are that LGBTI people have higher levels of anxiety, depression and suicide — they achieve lower educational outcomes — and words matter.

“It makes the point that we shouldn’t assume that a person is married. Not everyone is heterosexual — and at the end of the day we should also remember that marriage rates in Australia are also declining.”

The document recommended using gender neutral terms that exist including ‘zie’ and ‘hir’.

“If unsure, you can ask someone directly what their preferred pronoun is in a respectful manner,’’ it says.

“Where possible, check privately to reduce discomfort. If you do make a mistake, apologise promptly and move on, it will likely make the person feel more uncomfortable if you dwell on the mistake. Try to avoid making the same mistake again.”

The document also tells workers to not ask questions about genitalia or breasts or ask a transgender person if they have had surgery.

A message accompanying the guidelines by Mr Foley said the: “Victorian Government is committed to equality for all Victorians’’.

“It is the responsibility of the Victorian Government to keep people safe.’’

“This includes Victoria’s LGBTI communities. The e is one of the ways in which we are addressing and eradicating homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.”

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