GB News hosts Tom Harwood and Emily Carver were left astounded by Greenwich Council after accusations staff had been banned from using the terms "husband" and "wife".
The Labour-run authority has advised staff to use the terms "spouse" or "partner" instead, as part of their "inclusive language guide".
Defending the move, a spokesman for Greenwich Council assured the guide is "advisory only".
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
Tom Harwood and Emily Carver were outraged at Greenwich Council for banning the use of 'husband and wife'
|GB NEWS / GOOGLE
Reacting to the ban, Good Afternoon Britain anchor Tom asked: "Why is it unusual or considered wrong to suggest that if a man and a woman walk in together holding hands, isn't the most likely thing that they're man and wife?"
Emily then interjected, pointing out Tom's use of the word "man" - "Man and wife! I think that's probably even more archaic. That's not appropriate anymore, man and wife.
"You're saying the man is the man, and the wife is the wife, they're different identifiers!"
Tom then agreed, admitting: "They are different identifiers, I hadn't actually thought about it."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Greenwich Borough Council has advised their staff not to refer to a married couple as 'husband and wife'
|GETTY
Criticising the advice from the council, Tom then stated: "It's just language, and I know that there will be five per cent of couples who are life partners who aren't married, but they must be used to knowing that they are in an atypical living arrangement if they're living together and perhaps have children and are not unmarried.
"That is still a minority of people, a perfectly legitimate way to live your life, of course. But would you be offended if someone assumes that you're married?"
Highlighting another ban implemented by the council, Emily responded: "Well, apparently staff who are running events at this council are also being warned against welcoming 'ladies and gentlemen', because there might be the odd non-binary person, but they're not going to be upset?"
Tom was outraged at the ban, fuming: "Why would they care? Not everyone is a gentleman, some of them will be absolute oiks and you can still say ladies and gentlemen?
Tom and Emily were baffled by the council's move
|GB NEWS
"Even though there will be very few people who have the correct manners and are wearing the right attire to be considered gentlemen and ladies."
A spokesman for the council said: "Our inclusive language guide is advisory only, and was designed to encourage staff to reflect on the use of language in the workplace and how it might impact their colleagues.
"We are proud to have a very diverse workforce at Royal Borough of Greenwich, and are committed to making sure that everyone working here feels considered and included.
"Feedback we have received suggests that the advice in the guide has been very well-received across the organisation."