NMB Council to Vote on Gender-Neutral Language Ordinance

North Myrtle Beach City Council is set to vote on a new ordinance today. Included on today’s agenda is the discussion of altering the city’s “Codes of Ordinances” to include more gender-neutral pronouns. Examples include changing the term “firemen to firefighters” and “chairman” to “chairperson.” The board said they are looking at the issues not to “perpetuate gender bias but because most ordinances precede the strong contemporary awareness of gender bias and a desire to eliminate it.” They hope by altering the language it will convey a sense of inclusivity and that more municipalities will follow.