I would describe wearing a poppy as a commemoration. For a number of reasons I do not wear a poppy and would object to being told by my employer that I had to wear one. Everyone appearing on TV during the Remembrance period is reportedly expected to wear a poppy and I think this is an abuse of power.
It makes very little difference whether people wear an emblem of some sort, other than to show their own support for a particular issue or commemorate a particular event. I think that's OK. But my own view is that, in the work situation, a more acceptable and useful way of dealing with homophobia or other discriminatory behaviour is to ensure that it is swiftly and effectively dealt with (and, just as importantly, is not tolerated within the workforce itself) through disciplinary procedures and proper training.
If the matter were taken to Court, would it even be considered legal for an employee to be forced to go along with this requirement or be removed from customer-facing duties?
Call it a commemoration if you like, but I still feel that doesn't detract from the fact that there are many injustices that should be recognised and who should choose which of those injustices should be commemorated?