HRS §572-1.8
Gender-neutral reading of marriage terms
This law says that when state laws talk about spouses using words like husband or wife, those words must be read as applying to any spouse, regardless of gender. This rule covers all state laws, rules, court decisions, and other legal sources.
spouses
The statute, as written — Interpretation of terminology to be gender-neutral
When necessary to implement the rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of spouses under the laws of this State, all gender-specific terminology, such as "husband", "wife", "widow", "widower", or similar terms, shall be construed in a gender-neutral manner. This interpretation shall apply to all sources of law, including statutes, administrative rules, court decisions, common law, or any other source of law. [L Sp 2013 2d, c 1, pt of §2]
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