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Bill Summary · SJ 38

Legislative bill overview

SJ 38 is a constitutional amendment resolution that would revise Connecticut's state constitution to use gender-neutral language when referring to individuals. Instead of gendered pronouns or terms like "he," "she," "man," or "woman," the amendment would standardize constitutional references to be inclusive. This requires voter approval through a referendum after legislative passage.

Why is this important

Constitutional language carries legal weight and sets the tone for statutory interpretation. Modernizing gender references could clarify that constitutional protections apply equally regardless of gender identity, while also reflecting contemporary linguistic standards. However, this is primarily a symbolic measure, as existing civil rights laws already provide substantive protections independent of pronouns used in the foundational document.

Potential points of contention

  • Interpretation disputes: Opponents may argue that changing constitutional pronouns could create ambiguity in legal interpretation or unintentionally alter the scope of existing provisions, though proponents counter this risk is minimal with careful drafting.
  • Scope and implementation: Questions remain about which specific references are included—whether this covers all gendered language or only pronouns, and how systematically the revision would be applied throughout the entire document.
  • Voter acceptance: Constitutional amendments require public referendum approval, and opinions on gender-neutral language vary significantly across Connecticut's diverse population, making passage uncertain.

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

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