Metropolitan Police considering plans to introduce gender-neutral uniforms
BRITAIN’S biggest police force is considering plans to introduce gender- neutral uniforms. The Met has launched a review after a landmark legal ruling recognising the rights of non-binary people. It is claimed the force could be in breach of the 2010 Equality Act by not providing separate garments for non-binary and gender-fluid officers. The decision […]
BRITAIN’S biggest police force is considering plans to introduce gender- neutral uniforms.
The Met has launched a review after a landmark legal ruling recognising the rights of non-binary people.
It is claimed the force could be in breach of the 2010 Equality Act by not providing separate garments for non-binary and gender-fluid officers.
The decision could have wider ramifications for other public bodies and armed services whose staff wear separate male or female uniforms.
The Met is consulting its 30,000 officers on the issue.
One officer, calling themselves Alex Blue, has suggested having uniforms items that are not made for male or female.
The officer said a failure to provide an alternative would constitute an indirect discrimination.
Separate hats and neck-wear are worn by male and female cops. Men wear helmets, flat caps and ties while women have bowlers and cravats.
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But equality campaigner Peter Tatchell suggested there should be one uniform for all, adding: “Separate uniforms for officers is a legacy of the sexist past.”
The Met said the contract with its uniform provider is due to expire in 2023, adding: “This important feedback will be taken into consideration before a new contract is agreed.”
An employment tribunal ruled last year a Jaguar Land Rover engineer’s gender-fluid identity was a “protected characteristic”.
