Here's why:

* Chlorine gas exists as a diatomic molecule: This means two chlorine atoms are bonded together covalently, sharing their electrons equally.

* Covalent bonds involve sharing electrons: In a covalent bond, neither atom gains or loses electrons completely.

* Neutral charge: Since there's no transfer of electrons, the chlorine atoms in the Cl₂ molecule remain neutral.

Important Note: Chlorine ions (Cl⁻) exist when chlorine atoms gain an electron, forming a negative ion. This happens when chlorine reacts with other elements to form ionic compounds. However, chlorine gas itself is a neutral molecule.