Dallas city council warns of ‘termination’ for not using preferred pronouns

Employees of the city of Dallas, Texas are on notice that they must use preferred pronouns or risk being fired, according to newly publicized documents.

The warning was included in a city document entitled “Workplace Gender Transition Protocols & FAQ” which specifies approved conduct regarding transgender individuals, Fox News reported.

“Transition may include ‘coming out’ (telling family, friends, and coworkers), changing the name and/or sex on legal documents, and/or accessing medical treatment such as hormones and/or surgery,” the guidelines read.

Dallas City employees are “expected to respectfully use the transitioning employee’s preferred name and pronouns, regardless of whether or not they ‘believe in,’ approve of, or accept an individual’s right to be transgender or undergo a gender transition.”

“Refusing to respect an employee’s gender identity by intentionally referring to an employee by a name or by pronouns that do not correspond to the employee’s gender identity” is a form of discrimination and harassment the documents warned, adding that employees who fail to comply “may be disciplined up to and including termination.”

In a statement, the city of Dallas defended the guidance and noted they were developed by the City’s Office of Equity.

“The City of Dallas is a safe and welcoming place for all residents and employees,” the city government said. “Violations of these long-standing policies may result in disciplinary action,”