Sadiq Khan has been criticised after it emerged his staff have been told not to refer to “men and women”.
Civil servants at City Hall have also been ordered not to describe migrants as “illegal” in an inclusive language guide.
Conservative MPs branded the memo for Greater London Authority (GLA) staff as “nonsense ” and “frankly absurd”.
The gender section states: “Avoid using ‘men and women’ – say ‘people’ or ‘Londoners’.
“Similarly, instead of ‘ladies and gentlemen’ say something that doesn’t exclude non-binary people.”
READ MORE: Sadiq Khan praises ‘ahead of his time’ Boris Johnson as he defends ULEZ
It says the terms “male” and “female” are “dated and medicalised”, and that “female humans are called ‘girls and/or women’, male humans are called ‘boys and/or men’.”
On illegal migrants, it says the terms “undocumented” or “with insecure immigration status” should be used.
Meanwhile, “people seeking asylum” should replace “asylum seekers”.
The guide adds: “Remember, we are all Londoners. Don’t make a distinction between ‘migrants’ and ‘Londoners’.”
Tory MP Miriam Cates told The Sun: “The whole point of language is that it is commonly understood by those who use it.
“When language is corrupted by elites without popular consensus, our shared culture is weakened and common sense is sacrificed.
“The idea that ‘male’ and ‘female’ are medical conditions is frankly absurd. This taxpayer-funded guidance is in conflict with fact, reality and the law.”
Fellow Conservative Tom Hunt added: “This is the sort of nonsense that would be imposed on the whole country if Labour were ever to get into power.”
And Tory Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson branded it “scary stuff”.
A spokesperson for the Greater London Authority said: “This guide is about encouraging precision, offering recommendations and highlighting things for staff to consider, not banning words.
“London’s diversity is its greatest strength and it is right that the language we use to talk to and about London’s communities is as accurate, inclusive and representative as possible.”
