SE Kansas News

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Congressional Down Syndrome Task Force, along with Senator Gary Peters and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, have reintroduced a bill aimed at updating the District of Columbia Code. The proposed legislation seeks to replace the term "mentally retarded" with "persons of moderate intellectual disabilities," reflecting a more respectful language towards individuals with disabilities.

The initiative follows Rosa's Law, passed in 2010, which removed the term "mental retardation" from federal law. However, Title 11 of the D.C. Code still contains these outdated terms and requires congressional action for amendment.

Senator Moran emphasized the importance of respecting individuals with disabilities: “Individuals with disabilities deserve to be respected and valued,” he stated. He further noted that degrading language should not be present in laws or courts: “This legislation makes certain the D.C. courts are using language that is both accurate, appropriate and maintains the dignity of all people.”

Senator Peters added his support by highlighting the impact of words: “Our words have power, and every person deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.” He stressed that removing derogatory language from D.C. code is overdue.

Congresswoman Norton also expressed her views on modernizing legal terminology: “Words indisputably matter,” she said. She shared a personal perspective by mentioning her daughter Katherine who has Down syndrome: “I’m appalled at the thought of someone using the ‘R-word’ slur toward her.”

The legislation has garnered support from several organizations including the National Down Syndrome Society, National Down Syndrome Caucus, Global Down Syndrome Foundation, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, and Special Olympics.