Maajid Mistakes BBC Policy On Non-Binary Pronouns For April-Fools Joke
Maajid Nawaz had to read the BBC's policy for using non-binary pronouns three times before coming to this conclusion.
BBC staff have been told to use non-binary pronouns when addressing or referring to gender-fluid or transgender employees.
The new policy has been introduced to make sure the corporation does not develop a "heteronormative culture".
But one part of the policy stood out to Maajid.
"Heterosexual BBC staff will be asked to wear badges identifying themselves as straight allies to help their LGBT colleagues," he said.
The LGBT Culture and Progression report, lists the idea that staff should wear pin badges or use email signatures to "signify the allies' role to the organisation" as the second recommendation following 'staff engagement'.
"Am I being April fooled here in October? Is this a joke?" Maajid said.
"It's no longer good enough to say I don't discriminate, you must actually declare your sexuality and then with it declare that you're an ally of LGBT."
But before he finished, Maajid had one last point to raise.
"I would never want to be told that I must enter into a room and declare my sexuality. That I must after declaring that sexuality wear a badge that signifies I'm straight and that I'm a straight ally of the LGBT community.
"When was the last time in Europe when badges were instituted as policy signifying ones sexual and other form of - ethnic for example- orientation?
"I'm just trying to wonder when the last time that kind of policy was adopted."