WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), co-chair of the Congressional Down Syndrome Task Force, have introduced legislation aimed at updating the language used in U.S. code. The proposed bill, echoing the spirit of Rosa’s Law passed in 2010, seeks to eliminate the term “mentally retarded” from federal laws, replacing it with the more respectful phrase, “persons of moderate intellectual disabilities.”
The bipartisan bill, known as the Words Matter Act, comes as a response to the continued use of outdated and potentially offensive language in sections of U.S. law, specifically those related to Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare. The initiative has gained traction in the House, with companion legislation being introduced last April by Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA).
Senator Casey stated, “As public officials, we have an obligation to uplift people with disabilities and ensure they are treated with dignity and respect. I’m proud to join with Senator Moran on this bipartisan bill to remove derogatory language from our laws and courts, and am committed to continuing to fight on behalf of Americans with disabilities.”
Echoing this sentiment, Senator Moran added, “Individuals with disabilities deserve to be respected and valued. Language that is degrading to individuals with disabilities should be eliminated from our laws and courts. This legislation makes certain the courts are using language that is both accurate and appropriate and maintains the dignity of all people.”
While many view this as a positive step towards inclusivity and respect for individuals with disabilities, some critics argue that the legislation is a form of virtue signaling. They contend that while the language change is symbolically important, it does not address the more pressing issues facing disabled individuals such as access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities.
Proponents counter that language has power, and changing the words used in our laws can help shift perceptions, reduce stigma, and ultimately lead to more substantive changes in policy and practice. They assert that such updates in legislation are an essential first step towards creating a more inclusive society.
The proposed Words Matter Act underscores the ongoing debate about the role of language in shaping societal attitudes and the potential implications of such changes in law. The nation watches as this bill makes its way through the legislative process, showcasing the importance of respectful and dignified language when addressing all individuals.
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