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Archaic Laws
Status
Passed by the Senate
Bill
An Act relative to archaic laws
This legislation seeks to modernize the Commonwealth’s laws and strike outdated and non-inclusive statutes that are discriminatory against LGBTQ+ individuals in the state.
Highlights
- Removes existing statutes that criminalize sodomy and so-called ‘unnatural’ acts between consenting adults and make Massachusetts laws more inclusive of individuals who are LGBTQIA+. In some cases, the language that this bill would strike from the General Laws dates back into the 1800s.
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Establishes a permanent law revision commission to:
- Examine common law, statutes and judicial decisions to identify anachronisms and recommend needed reforms.
- Recommend changes in the law to align with modern conditions
- Make recommendations to improve the openness and accessibility of state laws
- Updates the general laws to use person-first language when referring to people with disabilities. Also updates language to remove words like “handicapped” and “retardation” when referring to people with disabilities.
""The commission created by this bill is essential as we continue to make progress on key policy areas and see the law change over time here in Massachusetts. This bill will repeal laws that are outdated and negatively affect the LGBTQ+ community, and I look forward to the proposals that will come from this committee as they ensure our laws are clear of contradictions, are constitutional, and ensure all of our rights are upheld.""
- Senator James B. Eldridge (D-Marlborough), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary
- Senator James B. Eldridge (D-Marlborough), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary
