Connecticut has officially adopted "Latine" as a gender-neutral term to refer to people of Latin American descent, following a recently enacted law. Governor Ned Lamont signed the bill, mandating state agencies and employees to use "Latino," "Latina," and "Latine" in official communications concerning the Latin American community.
This move comes amid ongoing discussions about inclusive language for the Hispanic community. "Latine" has gained traction as an alternative to "Latinx," a term that has faced criticism and limited adoption among Hispanics. The legislation originated from Hispanic Democratic lawmakers who sought alternatives to "Latinx."
State Representative Geraldo Reyes, a sponsor of the bill, emphasized the importance of respecting the preferences of the majority within the Hispanic community. Initial concerns about the bill being perceived as an attack on the LGBTQ+ community led to clarification that the law wouldn't restrict other terminology as long as "Latino," "Latina," and "Latine" were included.
This development follows Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders' executive order banning "Latinx" from official state documents earlier this year, citing its lack of widespread use among Hispanics. Sanders' order highlighted the need for respectful and culturally appropriate language in government communications.
While some states move away from "Latinx," the Biden administration has employed the term in official communications, sparking debate. President Biden's use of "Latinx" in a 2021 speech on vaccination equity drew criticism. The varying approaches to inclusive language for the Hispanic community continue to be a subject of discussion.
