'Words Matter': Rep. Armini Proposes Gender Update To MA Constitution

MARBLEHEAD, MA — As the chief speechwriter for former acting Gov. Jane Swift, Jenny Armini became familiar with some of the arcane language in the nearly 250-year-old Massachusetts Constitution.

Now, as a state representative serving Marblehead, Swampscott and parts of Lynn, the first-term Democrat is looking to do something about it.

Armini is set to testify on Tuesday in front of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary on behalf of her legislation that would add "Her" and "Their" as options when using the formal titles of the governor and lieutenant governor.

As it stands, those titles are officially both in the masculine to refer to the top highest elected positions in the state — offices both now held by women.

"History has blown by the Massachusetts Constitution," Armini said. "It is well past time to catch up."

"According to our foundational document, Governor Maura Healey is referred to as 'His Excellency.' Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll is referred to as 'His Honor.' This legislation would correct those anachronisms by beginning the process of amending the Constitution."

Swift became acting governor following late Gov. Paul Cellucci's selection as U.S. ambassador to Canada in 2001. This past fall, Healey became the first woman elected as governor of Massachusetts.

"Words matter," Armini said. "Language is how we communicate our values, and it's a tool by which citizens learn who and what is important.

"Actions often follow accordingly."

Armini said the inclusion of "Their" would open the door for a more proper reference to a future governor or lieutenant governor who identifies as nonbinary.

"The original exclusion of Her speaks to the mores of a different time in our nation's history," she said. "By including both Her and Their, we capture the progress made, and we ensure that all people are respected and reflected in our most important document."

Armini's testimony is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Tuesday and can be accessed virtually here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)