Did the House vote to revise its rules to use ‘gender-inclusive’ language?
In January 2021, the House of Representatives adopted rules for the new session of Congress which included the adoption of gender-inclusive language along with a “sweeping ethics reform” and increased accountability measures. The new rules don’t ban the colloquial use of gendered-language in the House, but instead focus on replacing gendered language in the written rules with neutral terms.
For example, family terms such as “mother” and “father” and “sister” and “brother” will be replaced with “parent” and “sibling.” “Chairman” becomes “Chair.”
The moves underscore efforts to make the House more inclusive. Speaker Pelosi said, “these future-focused proposals reflect our priorities as a caucus and as a country.”
The changes, approved in the House 217-206 on party lines, drew criticism from some Republican members.
