California Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill into law that has removed the words “husband” and “wife” from the state’s marriage laws.
Instead, they have been replaced with the word “spouse.” Brown reportedly did this because the words “husband” and “wife” have now been classified as “anti-gay.”
This bill is known as SB1306, and it is set to take effect on January 1.
“I am pleased Gov. Brown has recognized the importance of this bill, which makes it explicitly clear in state law that every loving couple has the right to marry in California,” said state Sen. Mark Leno, who wrote the bill making the terminology change. “This legislation removes outdated and biased language from state codes and recognizes all married spouses equally, regardless of their gender.”