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Assembly passes bill requiring gender‑neutral language in laws and regulations
Summary
A bill to require gender‑neutral wording in New York statutes, rules and resolutions passed after debate about grammatical impacts and inclusivity. Supporters cited major style guides and inclusion; opponents warned of possible ambiguity in some legal contexts.
The Assembly approved A.1142 on May 17, which would require gender‑neutral terms be used in any law, rule, regulation, ordinance, or resolution.
Sponsor (identified in the reading as Miss Kellis) argued the measure advances inclusion and reflects evolving language norms: “When readers see a gendered pronoun, they make assumptions about the gender of the person being described,” the sponsor said, citing guidance from Merriam‑Webster, the APA, MLA and the AP stylebook in support of using the singular “they” and other gender‑neutral formulations.
Opponents raised concerns about possible confusion in statutory interpretation. “When we start using the words they, them, and their, and we're referring to a singular person, we can create confusion in how the language is interpreted,” said Mister Goodell, who said he favored gender‑neutral statutes generally but opposed this method.
Supporters responded that alternatives—using terms such as “the applicant,” “the officeholder” or rephrasing—can keep law precise without excluding people. Lawmakers speaking in support described personal and community harm from exclusionary language.
A party vote was requested; the clerk recorded Ayes 98, Nays 48 and the bill passed. The floor record shows varied verbal explanations and personal testimony, including accounts of how language affects students and constituents.
Next steps: the bill goes to the Senate; the last section read as taking effect immediately.
