Jul 23, 2008 9:04 pm US/Eastern
Mass. Laws Opting For Gender-Neutral Language
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Women make up more than 50 percent of the state's population, but taking a look at Massachusetts laws, you won't find the word "she" in them.
The laws are all written with masculine pronouns, something State Representative Cory Atkins found out while reading a nursing bill a year ago.
"And I kept reading 'he' this, and 'he' that," the democrat from Concord said, "There are male nurses, but the profession is predominantly a female profession."
So, Atkins is sponsoring a bill that would require gender inclusive language, he/she and him/her, in all new laws.
Suffolk law student, Amy Bluoin says it doesn't really bother her to see the masculine pronouns plus, "I know in a lot of our studies now, professors go out of their way to say he/she gender neutral to make it apply to everyone."
From the house, the bill goes on to the Senate, where many think it will have a lot of support, seeing as the person running the show there happens to be a female -- State Senate President Therese Murray.
Says Atkins, "Oh I hope so, I hope so."
Other states have adopted a similar practice, and at least a half-dozen have amended their constitutions to install gender-neutral language.
The bill has been given initial approval by the House of Representatives.
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