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Democrats Seek to Remove Words 'Husband' and 'Wife' from Federal Law

  • Carrie Dedrick Religious persecution, missions, Christianity around the world
  • Updated Jul 10, 2015

A group of over two dozen Democrats are pushing to remove the words “husband” and “wife” from federal law. According to a bill proposed by Rep. Lois Capps of California, the “discriminatory” words should be replaced with gender-neutral terms such as “spouse” and “married couple.” 

Capps said, "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. 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 Washington Examiner reports the Capps’ bill also proposes that federal law should say it is illegal to threaten the President’s “spouse,” not the President’s “wife,” as the law currently states. 

That change in policy is likely inspired by Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. If nominated, some believe Clinton’s husband, former President Bill Clinton would be called the “first spouse.” 

Publication date: July 10, 2015