According to Cath Walton, biological sex has officially become a mere âviewpoint.â A former BBC journalist faced disciplinary action after posting on social media that science does not support the idea of two types of women, male and female. Cath Walton, who worked at the BBC for 20 years, disclosed that she was reprimanded for accuracy and impartiality regarding sex and gender. She mentioned that about two years ago, her post on Twitter led to hearings over an alleged breach of the BBC’s social media rules. Concerned with the use of âactivist languageâ by journalists, Walton tweeted about the term âcisgender.â She explained that using âcisâ involves accepting a belief system that there are âtwo types of women, male women and female women, and this is as yet scientifically unsupported.â
Her superiors continuously followed up on the issue, stating that the tweet violated BBC social media rules and needed to be removed. Despite agreeing to take down the post, Walton highlighted that she did not express any opinion in her message, which would contradict the broadcaster’s impartiality guidance. She disclosed that her bosses could not explain which part of the thread was untrue or might fall into the error of opinion. Even though she removed the post, she was asked to admit she was wrong and promise not to repeat it, or else face disciplinary action. Walton criticized this as an attempt to police her public speech and demanded internal confession of her ‘wrongthink.’ Walton argues that biological sex has now become just a ‘viewpoint.’
In a controversial area, a complaint about comments made by BBC presenter Justin Webb was upheld by the corporation’s Executive Complaints Unit (ECU). The ECU found that Webb breached impartiality rules when referring to âtrans womenâ as âmalesâ during a discussion on new guidelines by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The guidelines released by FIDE last year prohibited trans women from competing in female-only events. The BBC said that Webbâs wording could only be interpreted by listeners as meaning that trans women are male without qualification as to gender or biological sex. This unintentional endorsement of one viewpoint in a highly controversial area led to the complaint being upheld by the ECU.
Last year, the BBC introduced new social media guidelines for its staff members and flagship presenters. These guidelines came after a dispute over Gary Linekerâs social media posts criticizing government policy on illegal immigrants crossing the English Channel. According to the new rules, presenters can share their views on social media but should refrain from endorsing or attacking political parties and taking official roles in campaigning groups. The BBC emphasized the importance of freedom of expression while ensuring that employees maintain the broadcaster’s reputation and impartiality. BBC Director-General Tim Davie noted the need for civility and respect in public debate, both online and offline.
On the contentious topic of gender identity, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that society should not be bullied into believing that people can choose their sex. Sunak emphasized that a man is a man, and a woman is a woman, which he views as common sense. His comments were criticized as âinflammatoryâ by some, including Chris Northwood, Manchesterâs first trans councillor. The discussion around gender identity remains polarizing and contentious, with varying viewpoints on the subject.