Turnbull calls for gender-sensitive language to be reflected in HOA policies, constitution
Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull has made a call for gender-sensitive language to be reflected in public policies; particularly documents such as the Virgin Islands Constitution and the Standing Orders that govern the House of Assembly.
Turnbull urged the Standing Orders Committee and Premier Andrew Fahie to consider changing the language to reflect what he described as a new era.
“I believe the time has come. I believe we are far past the time where we address the gender equality, the gender discrimination and the sensitivity to how the language of the Standing Orders and even the constitution is written,” Turnbull said.
He said words such as ‘his’ and ‘chairman’ should be amended “to take into consideration the evolving nature and development … [of] women taking office”.
He further challenged the Standing Orders Committee to change the language before the House is dissolved.
“I think it is also in the wisdom of the members of the committee to not just look at the current situation and in the current component on how this Honourable House is now comprised but take into consideration other scenarios that might possibly come,” Turnbull argued.
“I believe the time has come. I believe we are far past the time where we address the gender equality, the gender discrimination and the sensitivity to how the language of the Standing Orders and even the constitution is written,” Turnbull said.
He said words such as ‘his’ and ‘chairman’ should be amended “to take into consideration the evolving nature and development … [of] women taking office”.
He further challenged the Standing Orders Committee to change the language before the House is dissolved.
“I think it is also in the wisdom of the members of the committee to not just look at the current situation and in the current component on how this Honourable House is now comprised but take into consideration other scenarios that might possibly come,” Turnbull argued.
