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Updated: 9:28 PM Feb 15, 2010
Removing Offensive Language from State Laws
West Virginia House of Delegates votes to replace the word "retarded" in state laws.
Posted: 8:21 PM Feb 15, 2010Reporter: Associated Press Email Address: jeremy.edwards@wsaz.com |
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- A growing number of advocacy groups believe the term "retarded" has become a slur, and so West Virginia lawmakers are moving to erase the phrase "mentally retarded" from the state's lawbooks.
The House of Delegates unanimously passed a measure to the Senate on Monday to replace "mentally retarded" with "intellectually disabled," and "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability."
Supporters include Delegate John Ellem, a Wood County Republican. Ellem is minority chair of the House Judiciary Committee, and said the state can lead by example by removing what has become a stigmatizing term.
Neighboring Maryland made the switch last year. Washington state's House of Representatives passed a similar measure this month. Idaho lawmakers are considering one as well.
Latest Comments
Posted by: HILBILLY
on Feb 17, 2010 at 12:34 AM
You people that thing this is just great have not been in the real world for the last 15 years or so, have you. If someone does something stupid these days, they call THEM "GIFTED" so you are decades late. You better find a new word goofball. Oh I am sorry maybe I should have said sssssllllloooooowwwwbbbaaaalllll, is that more political correct. This stuff in STUUUUPID.
Posted by: hmmm
on Feb 16, 2010 at 04:25 PM
I find the word gifted to mean that the person who is has a special gift from God and that isn't fair.... So can we start changing that word too? I think it should be intellectually advanced... good grief
Posted by: BillB
on Feb 16, 2010 at 03:45 PM
Pleased 2/16 at 11:19AM: Out of the two I think this is the best. But why do either as it will have to change again when someone complains.Besides my little boy like to play with Barbie dolls.
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