Garda Commissioner Drew Harris withdraws trans policy due to lack of information

On February 1, a Gender Identity in the Workplace policy was introduced for Gardaí, which has now been officially withdrawn. The purpose of the policy was to provide a safe and inclusive environment for trans personnel.

The policy should help to ensure that all gender identities and expressions feel welcome and respected. In addition, the document states that An Garda Síochána is committed to supporting employees who are "undergoing social or medical transition" and that it will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) had already called for the withdrawal of the transgender policy ahead of its annual conference earlier this week.

AGSI general secretary Antoinette Cunningham expressed concern that the policy allowed "that mis-gendering of a person could lead to discipline."

The AGSI also stated that additional training for Gardaí officers on gender identity and expression would be required before such a policy could be implemented.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris tells Gript that if Garda officers use the wrong gender pronouns, it could "escalate" to disciplinary action. pic.twitter.com/EXElEEISx1

— gript (@griptmedia) March 28, 2023

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has officially withdrawn the policy today, April 5th. Cunningham welcomed the move, saying: "It’s withdrawn now until consultation with the staff associations takes place. Within that, we’ll be seeking a programme of education to how we can better support colleagues who wish to transition their gender and who want to go through the transition process."

"It’s more important to get this right rather than dropping a directive in without the appropriate information that is badly needed," she added.

#AGSI is an org of middle managers in An Garda Shíochána

Imagine in any other org if managers claimed they didn't know how to implement a one page policy which simply accords dignity & respect to one group in the workplace?

If they can't manage, demote them#TransRights pic.twitter.com/Be5gW0uKSJ

— Grannies4Equality (@grannies4equal) April 3, 2023

Since latest figures by An Garda Síochána revealed that queer people are the second most targeted group of hate crimes in Ireland, many members of the LGBTQ+ community have criticised the withdrawal of the Gender Identity in the Workplace policy.

On Twitter the Irish LGBTQ+ activist Michael Barron said: "I really don’t understand the objection from [AGSI] to An Garda Síochána Policy Document Gender Identity in the Workplace. It is simply about respecting the rights and dignity of Trans Gardai in line with legislation and public sector duty. Why would you not?"

Another person said: "Not sure what is difficult about using a persons preferred pronouns, why do they need training? Simply ask the person what their preferred pronouns are if they are unsure."

Activist group Grannies4Equality said: "Imagine in any other [organisation] if managers claimed they didn't know how to implement a one page policy which simply accords dignity & respect to one group in the workplace? If they can't manage, demote them."