(BOSTON—7/25/2025) On Thursday, Senator Feeney voted to pass two separate bills to bring Massachusetts laws into the 21st century by removing offensive language from state statute and repealing outdated, unconstitutional laws that hamper civil rights. 

One piece of legislation, An Act amending certain laws relative to individuals with disabilities, strikes the ‘r-word,’ a derogatory slur for people with disabilities, out of state law in the dozens of instances where it currently appears. This includes renaming an entire chapter of law that prominently includes the r-word. 

The bill, S.137, also builds person-first language into state law, prioritizing terminology like ‘person with a disability’ that places the individual first. Other outdated references such as ‘handicap’ or ‘needy’ to describe people with disabilities are also erased from the law. 

The Senate also passed An Act relative to archaic laws, which repeals outdated statutes that criminalized acts now understood to be protected under the Constitution. This update includes the repeal of 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. Any remaining sodomy laws in the United States were invalidated by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2003. 

The bill also creates a panel of experts—including bipartisan appointees from the Legislature, the executive branch, prosecutors, and public defenders—would search for any 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 archaic laws bill, S.1034, would also repeal the 18th century law that calls 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. Moving forward, a permanent commission of experts established under this legislation would conduct periodic reviews to ensure state laws remain as up-to-date as possible. 

"Removing offensive language from our state laws and modernizing terminology for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities is a matter of common sense and common decency. Simply put, the words we use matter and should reflect the respect and dignity all community members deserve. Harmful, dehumanizing and archaic language has no place in our Commonwealth, especially in our state statutes, and I am proud of my colleagues for coming together to pass this important legislation once again in the Senate,” said Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough). 

In order to better support another community of Massachusetts residents, Senators during today’s debate adopted an amendment inserting the term “deaf or hard of hearing” in several sections of state law, replacing the outdated term “hearing-impaired.”  This further ensures that language in state law reflects the terminology that community members identify with. 

The disabilities language bill was reported out of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities on June 23, 2025, and was placed on the Senate Calendar for debate by the Rules Committee on July 17, 2025. Votes of both committees are available online, along with a full summary of the legislation. The archaic laws bill was reported favorably by the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on June 12, 2025, and was advanced for debate by the Rules Committee on July 17, 2025. Votes of both committees are available online together with a full bill summary. A recording of the Senate’s livestreamed debate and votes can be found archived on the public website. 

The Senate passed both bills on 40-0 roll call votes. The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. 

Statements of Support 

Melissa Reilly, advocate for people with disabilities and former policy advisor to Senator James B. Eldridge: 

“The Archaic Language Bill, S.137—An Act amending certain laws relative to individuals with disabilities—is really important because all people with disabilities should be treated and respected by others and not mocked or judged or bullied by others for their disabilities. We are all unique and deserve respect, we do not want to be known as The ‘r-word.’ We all are unique and different. People with disabilities deserve respect. We are able and capable and not disabled. We are hardworking people and we need to be respected and dedicated and have dignity. Please help us to make a difference and support this bill.” 

Maura Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Massachusetts: 

“The Arc of Massachusetts is deeply grateful to the Senate for passing legislation today to rid our state laws of offensive and outdated language referencing the disability community. This bill has been a long-time priority for The Arc and our community. Today’s vote sends a clear message in an important moment—such language has no place in our laws or in our society. At this moment when disability rights are being threatened, we must show up every day to reaffirm our commitment to uplifting and valuing this community. This bill does just that. We want to thank Senator Jehlen for her steadfast leadership; Senator Lovely, Senator Rodrigues, and Senate President Spilka for prioritizing bringing this to the floor; and the countless advocates, including Melissa Riley, who have made their voices heard. We look forward to working with our champions in the House to pass this bill. The Arc will continue to fight for laws and policies that reflect the values of accessibility, independence, and dignity for all.” 

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