Gender-Neutral Bill Introduced in Idaho Statehouse
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Two Idaho Democratic female lawmakers say the Idaho code isn't just for men.
Reps. Melissa Wintrow of Boise and Elaine Smith of Pocatello are backing legislation that would require gender neutral language in all of Idaho's copious laws. Wintrow says the bill is important to show young girls that they belong in all circles, particularly state government.
The two-paragraph bill says legislation should contain non-gendered phrases such as "he/she" or "his/her," rather than use the masculine pronoun by default.
However, in the Republican-dominant Legislature, the measure is already facing an uphill battle against conservative lawmakers who view the proposal as unnecessary political correctness.