Judges ordered to honor pronouns of parties in court
DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered all judges to address people in court by the pronouns they use or by "other respectful means."
"We serve the entire public and are required to treat those who come before us with civility and respect," Justice Elizabeth Welch said. "The gender identity of a member of the public is a part of their individual identity, regardless of whether others agree or approve."
The statewide rule was approved, 5-2.
Some transgender, nonbinary or gender-fluid people use they, them and their as a gender-neutral singular personal pronoun.
"Courts must use the individual's name, the designated salutation or personal pronouns, or other respectful means that is not inconsistent with the individual's designated salutation or personal pronouns," the Supreme Court said.
During a public comment period earlier this year, some critics cited religious reasons for not wanting to address someone by a pronoun they use.
The rule, which kicks in Jan. 1, will still allow judges to avoid pronouns and refer to someone by their role in the case, such as attorney or plaintiff, followed by a last name.
The rule "does not force anyone to violate their beliefs," Welch said.
Justices Brian Zahra and David Viviano opposed the rule.
"This is a fluid political debate into which our judicial branch of state government should not wade, let alone dive headfirst and claim to have resolved," Zahra said. "Such hubris has no place within the operation of a judicial branch of state government."
Bar association members celebrate
The Macomb Couny Bar Association, along with partnering affinity bar associations, will gather with colleagues at the biennial Taste of Diversity cocktail reception on Thursday, Oct.19, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Great Lakes Culinary Center in Southfield,.
The event is billed as a celebration of the diverse and multi-cultural legal profession in a festive atmosphere with great food and friends.
The evening will feature the presentation of the Leon Hubbard Community Service Award and the Michael K. Lee Memorial Award.
Cost to attend is $50 or $40 for new lawyers (P82500+), students, admin assistants, and paralegals.
Tickets for Taste of Diversity are available for purchase by visiting www.ocba.org and clicking “events.”
For additional information about the event, contact the Katie Tillinger at 248-334-3400.
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