Massachusetts House Bill H31

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/9/23
• Refer: 2/9/23

Caption

Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to the title of the Lieutenant Governor

Impact

If enacted, this bill would specifically alter Article I of Part the Second, Chapter II of the Massachusetts Constitution. The amendment is significant in that it addresses the official recognition of plural gender identities in governmental titles, which could set a precedent for further legislative changes that promote inclusivity. This change might also impact how citizens perceive their elected officials and foster a more inclusive political environment.

Summary

House Bill H31 proposes a legislative amendment to the Massachusetts Constitution concerning the title of the Lieutenant Governor. The bill seeks to replace the current article in the Constitution with new language that would allow the Lieutenant Governor to be addressed as 'Her Honor', 'His Honor', or 'Their Honor'. This change is aimed at modernizing the title to reflect gender neutrality and inclusivity in the state's leadership roles. The proposal represents an effort to align the titles of state officials with contemporary values around gender and representation in government.

Contention

There has been some discussion surrounding the necessity of this amendment. Supporters argue that this shift towards gender-neutral titles reflects the evolving societal norms and the importance of recognizing all gender identities in public office. Critics, however, might view this as an unnecessary alteration of tradition, arguing that the current titles hold historical significance. The debate emphasizes differing views on how government representation should adapt to modern societal values.