NY Votes To End ‘Fireman’ and ‘Policeman’ To Go Gender Neutral

Eric Scheiner | May 2, 2018
DONATE
Font Size

The termination of terms in New York moves forward.

The words "fireman" and "policeman" could soon be scrubbed from all official state statutes.

The New York Assembly on Tuesday to approve a bill that would replace them with the preferred and gender-neutral “firefighter” and “police officer.”

According to the New York Daily News, “Women make up an important part of our police force and firehouses, and it’s time New York State laws reflect that,” Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) said.

Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon said the use of gendered language "is antiquated and inaccurate."  

"The more we do to fully integrate and include women in all our professions, the sooner we will have a safer and more just society," Simon added.

The measure was approved by the Senate last month and is now headed to Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk.

donate