Many people watching Thursday's instalment of This Morning were left furious after a debate about pronouns.
As part of a bid to "make sure LGBTQ+ identities are respected", Halifax has now added pronouns to its staff's badges. After the move was criticised, the banking giant told any customers who didn't like it that they are free to close their accounts.
Discussing the topic on ITV's popular daytime programme, Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were joined by journalists Simon McCoy and Tom Swarbrick. Both men did not seem to agree with the move.
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Tom said: "It's a bank, I don't know if I see the need... If I see a person's badge says 'Gemma', I will say 'Hi Gemma'. I don't need to know her pronouns [because I won't use them]. Like a lot of big corporations, Halifax feel they need to have the conversation around gender identity, and you think 'Why? You're a bank. Let's talk about how you can help me'."
Phillip said: "[LGTBQ+ charity] Stonewall said 'having people's pronouns on badges is a simple yet impactful way to make sure that LGTBQ+ identities are respected for customers and employees alike". Simon replied: "As Tom said, it is a bank. 99.9% of its customers are not going to be giving a fig about whether you've got your pronoun on your badge, you've got other things to worry about".
Many viewers at home were not happy with the discussion. Taking to Twitter, Jessica said: "Two white cis men talking about there being 'no need' for pronouns on badges. IT DOESN'T AFFECT YOU AND IT MAKES SOME PEOPLE FEEL BETTER".
Jax said: "It doesn't affect me, but I want to support those who it is important to", while David said: "No non-binary or trans people included in the conversation? I'm shocked." Phillip Taylor said: "Asking two straight men about gender identity on This Morning and having to listen to their misinformed dismissive opinions was painful".
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV and the ITV Hub
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