Stop the Stigma Campaign

Progress in the Delaware State House

Representative
Helene Keeley

Rep. Helene Keeley's Bill
is Enacted into Law

Update: June 21, 2001

Governor signs bill removing 'bastard' from Delaware codes

Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner today signed HB 101, a bill sponsored by Representative Helene Keeley which removes the term "bastard" from all state codes. 

The bill would replace the word "bastard" with the phrase "non-marital child".

Rep. Helene Keeley, D-Wilmington, who wrote the bill, said the phrase "non-marital child" was preferred by the American Association for  Single People, an organization she said she consulted about the problem.

Keeley said she introduced the bill because she was upset that children were being openly referred to as "bastards" in places like Family Court.

Delaware is the second state to enact such legislation this year, giving momentum to the "Stop the Stigma" Campaign of the American Association for Single People.  The Governor of Maine signed a similar bill last month.

Back to Stigma
Campaign Main Page