JohnCenaFan28
11-11-2008, 01:21 AM
A council has banned the phrase "singing from the same hymn sheet" in case it upsets atheists.
Salisbury council has told employees that the religious connotations of the saying could offend non-believers, reports the Daily Telegraph.
Officials have also been told not to use the phrase 'colour blind' but instead to refer to 'colour visual impairment'.
The advice from Salisbury council says: "Avoid office and council jargon wherever possible, including phrases such as 'moving forward' and 'singing from the same hymn sheet'.
"Say what you mean, so instead of 'moving forward' try 'in the future'. Not everyone understand these phrases - some can actually cause offence (what would an atheist want with your hymn sheet?)."
Colin Slee, the Dean of Southwark, accused the council of excessive politically correctness.
"This is complete nonsense and yet another example of political correctness being dictated by someone who doesn't understand religious faith," he said.
The Royal National Institute for the Blind said it avoided the term "visual impairment'; a spokesman said: "We always use the terms 'blind' and 'partially sighted' when talking to members of the public."
-Nova
Salisbury council has told employees that the religious connotations of the saying could offend non-believers, reports the Daily Telegraph.
Officials have also been told not to use the phrase 'colour blind' but instead to refer to 'colour visual impairment'.
The advice from Salisbury council says: "Avoid office and council jargon wherever possible, including phrases such as 'moving forward' and 'singing from the same hymn sheet'.
"Say what you mean, so instead of 'moving forward' try 'in the future'. Not everyone understand these phrases - some can actually cause offence (what would an atheist want with your hymn sheet?)."
Colin Slee, the Dean of Southwark, accused the council of excessive politically correctness.
"This is complete nonsense and yet another example of political correctness being dictated by someone who doesn't understand religious faith," he said.
The Royal National Institute for the Blind said it avoided the term "visual impairment'; a spokesman said: "We always use the terms 'blind' and 'partially sighted' when talking to members of the public."
-Nova