Halifax has hit back at customers who have threatened to close their bank accounts after the financial institution announced it was adding pronouns to their staff name badges.
The high-street bank took to Twitter on Wednesday (29 June) to announce the inclusive move by sharing an image of an employee’s name badge which featured the name 'Gemma' and included the pronouns 'she, her, hers' underneath.
Confirming their name badge update in stores, Halifax proudly wrote alongside the photo: "pronouns matter #ItsAPeopleThing".
While many supported it, some alleged customers took offense to their inclusive decision on Twitter.
And in response to the reaction, Halifax had the perfect reply to one specific critic, urging them to close their account if they disagreed with their stance.
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After one particular commenter branded the move 'pathetic virtue signalling' and claimed it would 'alienate people'.
Halifax responded: "We strive for inclusion, equality and quite simply, in doing what’s right. If you disagree with our values, you’re welcome to close your account."
The bank also replied to another tweet from a customer claiming they would be ‘closing their account immediately’ with details on how they could close their account via phone or in writing.
After another questioned why they would need to include pronouns when the employee’s name was already on the badge, Halifax explained that the measure was brought in to prevent "accidental misgendering" and said it was "optional".
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"We want to create a safe and accepting environment that opens the conversation around gender identity," the bank tweeted.
"We care about our customers and colleagues individual preferences. For us, it’s a very simple solution to accidental misgendering."
Despite the backlash from some, many customers were supportive of the initiative.
One penned: "A great addition Halifax, thank you for being inclusive and leading the example. The funny thing is that this is barely anything, nothing changes but a name badge and people are losing their minds over it.
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"This shows we need more change in this world."
"Weird to see so many people in a frothing rage about a bit of harmless courtesy. Well done for doing this," another posted.
"It's completely optional, the fact people are so triggered by this is exactly why massive companies like Halifax are doing this...does it affect your life in any way at all?," a third wrote.
"No it doesn't so why on Earth does anyone care? If someone wants their pronouns on the badge, let them."
Lisa McLoughlin