Voter Registration and Voting Rules Act (Debating)

[tmthforu94]

Thank you, Senator Kent. This amendment merely fixes grammatical errors and makes all pronouns gender-neutral. I ask that Senator Blair accept this amendment as a friendly.

[tmthforu94]

I'm afraid that the word "they" is not a proper singular gender-neutral pronoun.

You're right, it isn't. But it provides a better alternative than using masculine or feminine, which constrains individuals to two genders. And it is also more preferable to lesser known gender-neutral pronouns, such as zie/zim/zir, as that will lead to confusion.

This has been an ongoing discussion on my college campus for the past year, and from conversations with individuals in our Office of Multicultural Affairs, including those most affected by this, I believe this is the proper way to proceed.

[tmthforu94]

I'm afraid that the word "they" is not a proper singular gender-neutral pronoun.

a dreadfully incorrect sentiment

Also, I hate to turn this thread into a grammar discussion, but when you're talking about your friend's friend whom you do not know the gender of, do you say "Is he or she a nice person" or "Are they a nice person?"

[tmthforu94]

I'm afraid that the word "they" is not a proper singular gender-neutral pronoun.

a dreadfully incorrect sentiment

how unfortunate

So instead of just criticizing this suggestion, what do you propose as an alternative? You don't strike me as the kind of person who would want to use wording that isn't inclusive.