What's happening
This bill requires New York state websites to use gender-neutral language and prohibits gender-biased terminology, with certain exceptions.
Why it matters
Promotes inclusivity and respect. by requiring all New York state websites to avoid language that assumes or prioritizes one gender, making online government services more welcoming to all users, including non-binary individuals.
Standardizes terminology. across state websites, reducing confusion and reinforcing the use of modern, gender-neutral terms (e.g., “firefighter” instead of “fireman”), which can help set a precedent for other organizations and sectors.
Recognizes practical exceptions. , allowing state agencies to continue collecting gender-specific data where necessary (such as for medical or demographic purposes), and permitting gendered terms on websites specifically addressing gender-specific topics (e.g., maternal health).
Reflects evolving societal norms. and legal standards around gender identity and expression, potentially influencing broader language changes in government, business, and public life throughout New York.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Use Gender-Neutral Terms Online
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to governmental operations
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
10986
IN ASSEMBLY
May 29, 2018
Introduced by M. of A. L. ROSENTHAL -- read once and referred to the Committee on Governmental Operations
AN ACT to amend the state technology law, in relation to requiring state websites to use gender-neutral terminology
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 101 of the state technology law is amended by adding three new subdivisions 6, 7 and 8 to read as follows:
6. "State website" means an Internet website operated by or for a state agency or authority. Such term shall include those websites operated on behalf of state agencies or authorities by other public or private entities, but shall not include any portions of the internet outside the control of the state agency or authority.
7. "Gender-neutral terminology" means a word or expression that cannot be taken to refer to one gender only, including but not limited to terms such as flight attendant, firefighter, or police officer.
8."Gender-biased terminology" means a word or expression that categorizes on the basis of gender distinctions that can only be taken to refer to one gender only, including, but not limited to terms such as husband, wife, fireman or policeman.
§ 2. Section 103 of the state technology law is amended by adding a new subdivision 8-a to read as follows:
8-a. (a) To advise and assist state agencies or authorities in the implementation of gender-neutral terminology on state websites. Gender-biased terminology shall be prohibited. To the extent consistent with the meaning of this law, masculine pronouns may be used together with feminine pronouns in reference to elected officials, commissioners and similar persons;
(b) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this subdivision shall in no way interfere with the ability of any state agency or authority to collect gender-specific information, to the extent permitted by law, as necessary to carry out their responsibilities;
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD15974-01-8
A. 10986 2
(c) The provisions of paragraph (a) of this subdivision shall not apply to any state website that addresses a gender-specific matter; including, but not limited to, pregnancy or maternal health;
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.