New York City residents will be banned from using the slang words "bitch" and "ho," if some council members have their way.
Coun. Darlene Mealy of Brooklyn recently introduced a bill to prohibit the derogatory words, similar to a ban council passed earlier in the year on the use of the n-word, the New York Times reported.
"They buried the n-word, but what about the other words that really affect women, such as 'b' and 'ho'? That’s a vile attack on our womanhood," Mealy told the newspaper.
"In listening to my other colleagues, that they say that to their wives or their friends, we have gotten really complacent with it."
Zeroing in on the "b-word," as it is referred to in the legislation, Mealy said the term is hateful and deeply sexist and creates a "paradigm of shame and indignity."
The legislation was prompted by the use of the word in hip-hop music. Ten rappers were also cited in the legislation. It was introduced on July 25, and is expected to be discussed in September.
So far, 19 of the 51 council members have signed on to the proposed resolution.
Mealy acknowledged the bill cannot be enforced, saying it is meant to be more a symbolic gesture.
Share Tools
Top News Headlines
- Adele wins best album, best record Grammys
- Adele capped off a "life-changing" year by winning six Grammys Sunday night, including record of the year and album of the year for 21 more »
- Greece cleans up after anti-austerity riots
- Firefighters douse smouldering buildings and cleanup crews sweep rubble from the streets of central Athens after a night of rioting during which lawmakers approved harsh new austerity measures. more »
- CBC launches digital music service
- CBC is diving into the world of online music with the goal of providing listeners access to their favourite tunes, and a way to discover new artists and connect with fellow music fans. more »
- Whitney Houston death shows no signs of trauma
- Whitney Houston's life of glorious song and unnerving self-destruction apparently ended on Grammy weekend, but it could be weeks before investigators know exactly why she died. more »
Latest World News Headlines
- Greece cleans up after anti-austerity riots
- Firefighters douse smouldering buildings and cleanup crews sweep rubble from the streets of central Athens after a night of rioting during which lawmakers approved harsh new austerity measures. more »
- Whitney Houston death shows no signs of trauma
- Whitney Houston's life of glorious song and unnerving self-destruction apparently ended on Grammy weekend, but it could be weeks before investigators know exactly why she died. more »
- Neil Macdonald: The death penalty debate America isn't having
- Texas's death row archive is a troubling document, not the least for what it doesn't say about those who may be wrongfully convicted, Neil Macdonald writes. more »
- Is it time to start investing in world markets yet?
- Investors have always been told that diversification is one of the best ways to reduce the risk associated with a portfolio, but they often aren't told the whole story. more »
Dispatches »
- Inside Egyptian military's business web Feb. 10, 2012 1:51 PM When it got out of the business of war with Israel, Egypt's military got into the business of business. Over and under the table; on and off the books. Even using conscripts as cheap labour. CBC's Margaret Evans found shopkeeping generals rather reluctant to talk shop though.
Connect Newsroom Blog
Siege in Syria, Ship Rescue & The Pickton Inquiry Feb. 9, 2012 8:08 PM We'll talk to a Syrian-American doctor tonight about whether the Assad regime is using medicine as a weapon.
- Adele wins best album, best record Grammys
- Whitney Houston autopsy results withheld
- Hit and run victim's family fears accused will walk
- Quebec town 'heartbroken' after killing of woman, sisters
- Pop queen Whitney Houston dies at 48
- Manitoba man dies after falling off moving SUV
- 2 vehicles sink on river highway
- Doors blocked in fatal Manitoba trailer blaze
- Greece passes new austerity deal amid rioting

