It is urged that the use of the masculine pronouns he…
“It is urged that the use of the masculine pronouns he, his, and him in all the constitutions and laws, is proof that only men were meant to be included in their provisions. If you insist on this version of the letter of the law, we shall insist that you be consistent and accept the other horn of the dilemma, which would compel you to exempt women from taxation for the support of the government and from penalties for the violation of laws. There is no she or her or hers in the tax laws, and this is equally true of all the criminal laws.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Gendered language in law excludes women, highlighting systemic bias.
In simple terms: Male pronouns in law marginalize women.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for gender‑neutral legal language.
Themes
equality
law
gender
language
justice
Mood
determined
urgent
Type
activist
political
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- policy advocacy
- education
- public discourse
Key Concepts
feminist theory
legal reform
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can ensure laws truly reflect gender equality?
- How can society confront entrenched biases?
A Different Perspective
Changing language alone may not address deeper structural inequities.