Leftist lawmakers propose using gender-neutral language in the US law for the sake of 'gender equity' and LGBT inclusivity



Several left-wing lawmakers are pushing a measure meant to make the U.S. law more gender neutral by removing some gender-specific language.

Democratic Reps. Summer Lee of Pennsylvania, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Robert Garcia of California introduced the measure, according to press releases.

"In 2023 it is unacceptable that the U.S. code perpetuates sexist social structures and reinforces gender stereotypes and social discrimination," Lee said, according to her press release. "The Equality in Our Laws Act will enshrine gender equality into the U.S. Code and send a clear message that we won’t be silenced by the right wing politicians, judges, and media goons waging a full-on assault on women and queer folks."

The press releases indicate that, as an example, language such as the pronoun "he" could be swapped out for "the Secretary" in the context of the leader of a federal agency.

The measure "would enshrine gender equity in the US legal code by replacing masculine generics with gender neutral language. Additionally, this key change would make the U.S. Code more inclusive to members of the LGBTQIA+ community, especially gender- nonconforming, nonbinary, and intersex individuals," Rep. Lee's press release states.

The measure would "authorize/direct the Office of Law Revision Counsel (OLRC) to make non-substantive, gender-neutral revisions to the non-positive law portions of the Code," according to a one-pager about the measure that also indicates the legislation would "Direct OLRC to prepare a draft bill that makes non-substantive, gender-neutral revisions to the positive law portions of the Code."

Some gender-specific language would be permitted to remain, such as for laws that specifically pertain to women.

"Some laws, such as the Violence Against Women Act and the statute establishing the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting Program, use gender specific language to create rights and protections. OLRC would be prohibited from amending any portion of the Code where gender affects the substance, meaning or interpretation of the federal law," the one-pager states.

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Biden requests $2.6 billion from Congress to fund global gender equity programs



President Joe Biden is requesting $2.6 billion to fund gender equity programs across the globe.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, reported The Hill, to commemorate International Women’s Day.

The $2.6 billion will be part of the Biden administration’s 2023 congressional budget request and, if approved, will double the amount requested for gender equity programs last year.

In a prepared statement, Biden said, “On this day and every day, let us recognize that all of us have a better future when women and girls can reach their full potential – and together, let’s renew our efforts to advance dignity, equality, and limitless possibilities for all.”

Biden affirmed that International Women’s Day recognizes the achievements of women and girls and celebrates progress in gender equity. The president also recommitted himself and his administration to work that he says still needs to be done to achieve gender equity.

He said, “Ensuring that every woman and girl has that chance isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s also a strategic imperative that advances the prosperity, stability, and security of our nation and the world. Yet too often, in too many places, women and girls face obstacles that limit their possibilities and undermine their participation in economic, political, and social life.”

Biden stated that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated many existing issues that women face on a regular basis. He suggested that women’s participation in the work force declined, that additional burden was placed upon caregivers, and that gender-based violence increased.

The president’s announcement marks the one-year anniversary of the administration debuting the White House Gender Policy Council.

The White House announced the $2.6 billion over a livestreamed video conference to commemorate International Women’s Day, U.S. News reported.

The conference featured Secretary of State Antony Blinken, acting budget director Shalanda Young, U.S. Agency for International Development administrator Samantha Power, and the director of the Gender Policy Council, Jen Klein.

First lady Jill Biden, who was also present, marked International Women’s Day by making a video tribute to women throughout the world “who courageously use their voice, no matter the cost.”

She said, “To our sisters from Ukraine who are fighting to keep their country free and their families alive: We stand with you in solidarity. To our sister in Russia who are protesting and speaking out against the invasion at great personal risk: We see your courage.”

“And to women warriors around the world, those fighting for justice and working for a change: Thank you for building a better future for all of us,” the first lady added.

Chicago Public Schools abolish sex-specific restrooms to usher in gender-neutral bathrooms to 'increase gender equity'



The Chicago Public Schools system will no longer have girls' and boys' bathrooms, but instead will have gender-neutral restrooms where all sexes are welcome.

The Chicago Public Schools system launched an initiative to abolish sex-specific bathrooms and transform them into restrooms where "all who feel comfortable are welcome to use this restroom" regardless of their gender.

CPS Title IX officer Camie Pratt introduced the sweeping new changes in a video posted on social media.

"On top of ensuring that each of our schools is a safe learning environment, we’re also taking steps to create more inclusive and supportive schools," Pratt says in the video. "One change that will be implemented this school year relates to our school bathrooms."

"In compliance with new federal guidelines, all CPS students and staff will have fair and equitable access to bathroom facilities that align with their gender identity," she continues.

"We will be providing all schools with updated signage that makes our bathrooms more inclusive," Pratt adds. "It will identify the fixtures available in each restroom and make it clear that all restrooms are open for use by anyone who feels comfortable."

Pratt explains the deadline to change to the new signage: "This is an incredibly important step to increase gender equity for all, which is why we will be requiring all schools to post this signage by December 1 of this school year. Our district’s Office of Student Protections and Title IX is also working on a long-term plan to create more permanent signage for our bathrooms."

Pratt notes that school teachers will continue to have "Staff Only" restrooms available.

Chicago Public Schools touted the new signs on its official Twitter account: "We’re requiring all schools to adopt new signage to make our restrooms more inclusive. This is a big step forward for gender equity for our students and staff."

ICYMI: We\u2019re requiring all schools to adopt new signage to make our restrooms more inclusive. This is a big step forward for gender equity for our students and staff.pic.twitter.com/4JPBdd1jQy
— CPS - Chicago Public Schools (@CPS - Chicago Public Schools) 1638295257

The signs have descriptions such as:

  • "Gender Neutral Washroom"
  • "All Gender Restroom. This is a single-stall restroom. All gender identities and expressions are welcome here."
  • "This is a gender-neutral restroom with multiple stalls. It is open to users of any gender identity or expression."
  • "Men's +: This restroom has both urinals and stalls. All who feel comfortable are welcome to use this restroom."
  • "Women's +: This restroom has stalls. All who feel comfortable are welcome to use this restroom."

There have been issues with gender-neutral school restrooms in the past.

There was a 2019 report that female British students were avoiding drinking liquids and holding their bladders all day in an effort to avoid having to use gender-neutral bathrooms at some U.K. schools.

In 2020, a Wisconsin high school shut down its gender-neutral restroom after one of its students was arrested and accused of sexually assaulting a young victim inside.

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