Sir, — Whether women are the equals of men has been…
““Sir, — Whether women are the equals of men has been endlessly debated; whether they have souls has been a moot point; but can it be too much to ask [for a definitive acknowledgement that at least they are animals?… Many hon. members may object to the proposed Bill enacting that, in statutes respecting the suffrage, 'wherever words occur which import the masculine gender they shall be held to include women;' but could any object to the insertion of a clause in another Act that 'whenever the word "animal" occur it shall be held to include women?' Suffer me, thorough your columns, to appeal to our 650 [parliamentary] representatives, and ask — Is there not one among you then who will introduce such a motion? There would then be at least an equal interdict on wanton barbarity to cat, dog, or woman… Yours respectfully, AN EARNEST ENGLISHWOMAN””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The writer argues for gender‑neutral language in law, highlighting absurdities in current phrasing.
In simple terms: Advocates gender‑neutral legal language.
Key Takeaway
Use inclusive terminology in statutes.
Themes
gender equality
legal reform
language
feminism
rights
Mood
determined
advocacy
Type
English:1
Equality:1
Feminism:1
Feminist:1
Human:0
Humanity:0
Letter:0
Social justice:1
Status:0
Equals Men:0
Include Women:1
Women Equals:0
Gender Shall:0
Suffrage Words:0
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- public policy debates
- academic seminars
Key Concepts
sociolinguistics
constitutional law
activism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape legal equality?
- What obstacles exist to reform?
A Different Perspective
May face resistance from traditionalists.