To think this isn’t appropriate work conversation?

[AllIDoIsFloat]

Sat at work and on my lunch break while two colleagues discuss that they are anti-LGBT. In its entirety. They believe lesbians and gay people are going against “gods will” and that trans people are just mentally unwell and the surgery should be illegal.

Now I’m somewhat gender critical myself but certainly don’t believe that the surgery should be illegal. And in any event, I don’t think it’s appropriate for work? They don’t know what other people are going through, how they or their family identify. It just makes me sad that they think this is appropriate. I’m

Eh?

Why would you assume that not expressing certain prejudices in the workplace would equate to saying nothing at all?

You might be unable to speak without voicing homophobia or other offensive views, but thankfully, I am not similarly afflicted.

People are allowed their own opinions. Stop ear wigging on other people’s convos. Mind your own business.

That one would be a matter for the courts.

It could be argued that as they work for the company/organisation they are represntatives of that outfit regardless whether it was during paid for lunch period or not.

Some companies have dismissed employees for making abhorrent posts on social media outside of working hours.

I was on my break. They weren’t. We’re allowed to take out lunch whenever we want.

Yes. Thankfully on my side.

I'm thoroughly against any ideology that involves people making decisions that lead to permanent changes to their body and then subsequently becoming a lifelong customer to that area of healthcare that carried out said surgery, but in no way would I be heard airing that opinion or anything else within that arena anywhere. It's just not worth the hassle with not knowing how others think (not that I give a toss about that in the first place) and then not knowing what kind of damage they can do to me in response. The NHS is pretty clogged up as it is and if I can afford it, I thankfully have access to healthcare in the private sector instead.

I work from home 80% of the time and the boss is a churchgoer, so any chatter about that stuff is off limits anyway. In fact any political chatter is a no-no. You're there to work and earn money. Let people do what they want to do and if later on they regret the choices they made, it's nothing to do with you. Stay invisible and keep your head down.

What’s with the frankly weird degree of questioning? She will be raising disciplinary proceedings against them.

I’m aware of what my manager will be doing.

You’re not expected to tackle this head on with those colleagues but there is a procedure to follow and you’ve done that. I don’t agree with anyone who says you should have said something at the time, it’s not your role to do that and it’s very difficult to know how. You do not have to be a member of the community they were speaking about to be offended, or to follow the correct procedure. You were uncomfortable and that is enough. They are free to hold their own views but rules at work are usually pretty straightforward and it’s entirely inappropriate of them to make assumptions about you and behave in this manner. Well done on speaking up.

At work I've had to sit through many courses and presentations to support LGBTQ+ but I don't believe any of it. I support Lesbians and Gays, the TQ+ are destroying the support they have. You cannot change sex. Women need single-sex spaces. You are listening in to a private conversation, it's none of your business.

Nope, it’s hateful. I hope your kids aren’t gay - imagine growing up in a house where people try to stifle your sexuality and deny your right to love the people you love.

The conversation wasn't about single sex spaces, though. Yes, trans people were mentioned but they also talked about lesbian and gay people "going against God's will".

That is a statement that could be very upsetting for some people to hear. Do you really think it's ok for people to express such views in the workplace? Because if you do, I suggest that you don't "support lesbians and gays" as much as you say you do.

There is no such thing as a private conversation in a workplace where other people can hear every word.

I had a word with someone about how they were treating a colleague and talking about her behind her back without escalating to management. They went into management and said I was bullying them. They made my life very difficult from then on and complained to everyone who would listen with people giving me looks after that. My team knew about the bullying and would talk about it amongst themselves but not say anything to either party. OP would be protecting herself by reporting and leaving to management to deal with.

Disciplinary proceedings? That's heavy. I'd be interested in the outcome of that.
Because given this was a private exchange of views based in the PCs of religion and GC belief, with no attempt made to humiliate or bully a person with another PC, then I'd be interested in the grounds to discipline them. I'd have thought an informal approach would be the more usual first step (a firm word about not sharing controversial views where they may be heard and cause offence) would be appropriate.
Also surprised your manager has shared with you their intentions. This is poor practice as your colleagues have the right to confidentiality about any actions taken against them.

I don't agree that this was a private exchange of views, given that it happened in the workplace where others could hear it and might be hurt or offended by it.

But I do agree that disciplinary proceedings would be heavy handed if this is a first offence. An informal chat would be more appropriate.

I also agree that the manager should receive the report without sharing any further details of any action that may or may not be taken.

If the manager has responded to the OP stating they intend to take disciplinary action just on the basis of her complaint, with no investigation, no other witnesses, so basically what amounts to accepting OPs word against two other people, who've not been afforded their rights to a hearing, then the manager needs to brace themselves for an ET.
I take your point about the conversation being in a public place.

Of course - if they were minded to go down the disciplinary route (which I don't think is warranted at this stage in any case) then they would absolutely need to do a proper investigation first, I quite agree. But regardless, it wouldn't be appropriate for the manager to discuss their next steps with the OP, as any investigation with the potential to lead to disciplinary action should be a confidential matter between the manager/HR and the employee. Of course, the OP could be called as a potential witness in the investigation, but that's a separate issue.

In any case, I think formal proceedings would be heavy handed in this situation. A quiet chat would be more effective.

Being brought up blinkered doesn't mean you're not blinkered, or that you cannot become more aware.

Clearly I don't want to speak on your behalf, so respect your view.

I just don't see how they even need to have an opinion though, you being gay doesn't affect them.

Yes, I agree. Surely that comes down to what a person believes though? Should they have to change their beliefs to align with what (hopefully) the majority of us believe? Could/should they report us for having a conversation in a public space that conflicts with what they believe?

Yes I do think people are allowed to express their beliefs at work. They can be anti-LGBT. In fact we live in a country with freedom of speech and their rights and views are protected. I find it absolutely shocking that the OP thinks everyone should think the same way as they do and is trying to get these people into trouble at work.