Gender-Neutral Policies

Articles about new gender-neutral policies around the world were highly featured this week. The European Banking Authority recently revised their policies on bonuses stating, “Remuneration policies must be gender neutral and respect the principle of equal pay for male and female workers for equal work or work of equal value.” The government in Manila, Philippines is now requiring that businesses must provide gender-neutral bathrooms by 2023 in order to renew their business permits. The policy stated, “Within 3 years from the passage of this ordinance, there shall be provided gender-neutral toilets inside the lavatory or comfort room of restaurants, bars, stores, movie houses, shopping malls, and other similar business establishments in the City of Manila.”

Central Michigan University’s Student Government Association is trying to pass legislation to create more gender-neutral housing options on campus. Students also want gender-neutral housing listed on resident life applications, stating, “I want this option to be there so (gender nonconforming students) are the most comfortable and most able to make this decision for themselves.”

Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines recently announced that they will be changing their greeting of “ladies and gentlemen” to a gender-neutral greeting of “hello everyone”. A Delta spokesperson stated,  “Delta flight attendants greet our customers with gender-neutral language through our on board announcements. Promoting inclusion throughout the travel journey is core to creating a safe, comfortable and respectful space for all of our customers and employees.”