Defence goes to war over gender

SOLDIERS are being banned from using terms like “him” and “her” so they don’t offend “LGBTI” comrades in a new guide that says refusing to do so will be considered “bullying” and will not be tolerated.

The language guide drafted by the Australian Defence Force Academy began being distributed to trainee officers last year as part of a politically correct push in the army.

The document tells them to apologise if they use the banned language and warns they will be reported for “unacceptable be- haviour” if the speech was deliberate.

“Use gender neutral language when referring to relationships or gender identities,” the guide says. “In the event you make a mistake, the best course of action is to apologise, listen to anything the member wishes to say in response and then move on with the conversation.

“Unacceptable behaviours are not tolerated and are to be dealt with immediately to ensure that ADFA maintains an inclusive learning and working environment.”

ADF staff were also banned from using “pronouns or language that does not match a person’s gender identity”.

Defence sources say it is part of a push by Commandant Cheryl Pearce, who wrote in the guide that the changes were required to work as a “military professional in the 21st century”. “To meet the challenge of leadership and military professionalism, the learning environment and culture at ADFA must be inclusive and diverse,” she wrote.

It also encourages soldiers to be an “ally” and learn the definitions of LGBTI terms.

“Gender expression refers to the way that people demonstrate gender identity externally and normally through a com- bination of typically masculine, feminine or androgynous traits,” the guide says.

Senior Defence sources told News Corp that Defence was planning to issue a “directive” for staff to use gender neutral language. Defence Minister Marise Payne — who was not aware of the document when contacted — denied plans to issue a directive.

“The department has not, and is not intending to, issue a Defence directive on genderneutral language.,” she said.

A Defence spokesman said there had been no “directive” issued regarding gender neutral langauge.