Petition · past parliament

Ban big media companies from needlessly gendering mental health articles

Rejected 15 signatures

What the petition asks

Require news companies to avoid using gender in the title, cover image or opening statement of mental health articles
Using gender in the opening statement, title or cover image immediately sets the tone of the article to focus on that gender which is especially problematic when it shifts the focus to women as it alienates men with mental health issues and further pushes the strong stigma around men’s mental health.

Why it was rejected

It asked for something that is not the responsibility of the UK Government or Parliament.

We can't accept your petition because the UK Government and Parliament aren't responsible for the issue you raise. The Government aren't responsible for deciding on language used in publications.

Timeline

1 Feb 2021 Petition opened for signatures
8 Feb 2021 Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 15
Status Rejected
Rejected 8 Feb 2021

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.