21st Century President Act
Dec 27, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 4181
Became law: Dec 27, 2022
Dec 27, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 4181
Became law: Dec 27, 2022
Summary
Changes words in federal law to be gender-neutral when talking about a President's spouse, such as using 'spouse' instead of 'wife'.
What problem does this solve?
Some parts of federal law used words that assumed a President would always be a man and their partner a woman. This law updates the language to be inclusive for any President, regardless of their gender.
What does this law do?
Updates terms for a former President's spouse
Changes the terms 'wife of a former President' and 'widow of a former President' to the gender-neutral terms 'spouse of a former President' and 'surviving spouse of a former President'.
Who does this affect?
- U.S. Presidents
- Presidential spouses
- Former Presidents
What is the real world impact?
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Modernizes federal law
Updates old language in the U.S. Code to show that a President or their spouse can be of any gender. This makes the law fair and current for the future.
When does this start?
This law becomes effective on December 27, 2022.