Dem Bill Would Eliminate The Words “Husband” And “Wife” From Federal Law

Right on the heels of the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage, Democrats in Washington, D.C. have introduced a bill to eliminate the words “husband” and “wife” from federal law.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Lois Capps (D-California), said the bill would ensure federal law “reflects the equality of all marriages.” Under her proposal, “husband” and “wife” would be replaced with “gender-neutral” terms like “spouse” and “married couple.”

Capps added that “gendered terms” like “husband” and “wife” reflect “prejudice and discrimination” against homosexuals.

"The Amend the Code for Marriage Equality Act recognizes that the words in our laws have meaning and can continue to reflect prejudice and discrimination even when rendered null by our highest courts," she said. "Our values as a country are reflected in our laws. I authored this bill because it is imperative that our federal code reflect the equality of all marriages."

The proposed bill would also amend the law to make it illegal to threaten the “president’s husband.” It is currently only illegal to threaten the “president’s wife.”