Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 5, 2025 Senator Lewis and Mass. Senate remove r-word and archaic sex statutes from state law O n July 24, 2025, Senator Jason Lewis joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate to pass two bills that remove out-of-date and offensive terminology and statutes from state law. The first bill strikes the “r-word,” a derogatory slur for people with disabilities, out of state law in the dozens of instances where it currently appears, and builds person-first language into law, prioritizing terminology like “person with a 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! disability” over outdated terms, such as “needy.” The second bill repeals outdated statutes that criminalize acts now understood to be protected under the Constitution, including centuries-old laws that criminalized sodomy as a “crime against nature,” and so-called “unnatural” acts between consenting adults. The criminalization of sodomy, which was punishable by up to 20 years in prison, was used to discriminate against LGBTQ+ residents in the past, but any remaining sodomy laws in the United States were invalidated by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2003. “It is important that we keep our laws up-to-date and accurate, as well as ensuring that we remove antiquated and offensive language,” said Senator Lewis. “We should be using language Jason Lewis State Senator that uplifts people and communities instead of harming them. I hope these bills pass quickly as we work to make sure the law correctly represents what we stand for in Massachusetts.” The Senate’s archaic law bill creates a panel of experts — including bipartisan appointees from the Legislature and the executive branch, prosecutors and public defenders — to search for defects or anachronisms in state laws, aided by suggestions from the judiciary and other officials. The commission would report proposed fixes to the Legislature at the close of every term. The Senate also moved to repeal an 18th century law that called for punishment of up to one year in jail for a person who utters a blasphemy, something now acknowledged to be covered under the fundamental freedoms of speech and religion. The Senate passed both bills on 40-0 roll call votes, and on July 28 the House of Representatives referred both bills to its Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling. Local Crafts Fair at Pine Banks Park on Saturday, September 6 T www.810bargrille.com Cedar impression half rounds Harvey Vinyl Replacement Windows Custom Aluminum Trim work Windows & Doors Top quality Vinyl Siding! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Roofing •Free Estimates •Replacement Windows •Fully Licensed •Fully Insured Everett Aluminum Supplies Celebrating 66 Years in Business Since 1958! here will be a local Craft Fair with local vendors on Saturday, September 6th from 11 AM - 3 PM at Pine Banks, 1087 Main Street, Malden. Vendors include Aunties Doo Designs, Sentsy with Rae, XRS Creations, Bella's Hidden Treasures, Tupperware with Beverly, Flattering Finishes, Mary Kay with Lisa, Baker Woodworking, AJ customized pens, Crochet with Susan, Home Decor, Isabel Soaping and Company, Ozalbe, Creations by Christine, Four Corners Print Shop as well as pizza, soda and popcorn. Monogram D4 Double siding
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