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Bill

SB 136

AN ACT PROHIBITING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE USE OF SPECIFIC PRONOUNS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Sampson

Connecticut bill prohibits mandating specific pronoun usage in government, workplaces, and institutions, citing free speech protections while critics warn it weakens anti-discrimination protections.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Government Administration and Elections
#freedomofspeech
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 136

Legislative bill overview

SB 136 would prohibit Connecticut from requiring individuals to use specific pronouns when referring to other people. The bill targets government mandates, workplace policies, and potentially educational institutions that enforce pronoun usage as a requirement. It aims to protect what sponsors view as freedom of speech by preventing compelled speech on pronoun usage.

Why is this important

This bill addresses the intersection of free speech rights and workplace/institutional conduct policies. Connecticut employers and public institutions currently may have diversity and inclusion policies regarding pronoun usage; this bill would restrict that authority. The outcome could affect how institutions handle gender identity accommodations and workplace conduct standards.

Potential points of contention

  • Free speech vs. anti-discrimination law: Supporters argue compelled pronoun use violates speech rights; opponents argue this undermines protections for transgender and non-binary individuals and may conflict with existing anti-discrimination statutes
  • Scope and enforcement: Unclear whether "prohibition on requirements" means individuals cannot be disciplined for misgendering, which could conflict with existing workplace harassment or hostile environment policies
  • Practical implementation: Determining what constitutes a "requirement" versus guidance, best practices, or anti-harassment policies creates enforcement ambiguity that courts may need to resolve

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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