November 2021:
[quote]The board, which controls treatment standards for people already convicted of sex crimes, voted 10-6 Friday on a controversial proposal to replace “sex offender” with “adults who commit sexual offenses.” Board members weren’t in lockstep on the issue and voted even more narrowly — 8-7, earlier this year — to consider the language change in the first place.
[quote]The board’s Friday decision is now subject to a 20-day public comment period before final ratification by the board, a spokeswoman said.
[quote]The argument for new language is based around an increasingly popular theory of “person-first” terminology. Labeling someone a “sex offender,” supporters of this change say, can impede rehabilitation efforts by creating the permanent perception that the person in question is a danger to public safety.
[quote]That’s precisely the point, said opponents of this change.
[quote]The language change doesn’t affect the state’s Sex Offender Registry either in name or in policy. What happened Friday is a symbolic shift, more than anything.
[quote]But, SOMB Chair Kimberly Kline told reporters this week, it’s the kind of change that could affect actual behavior.
[quote]“If we’re talking about how someone speaks about themself, … that can increase risk,” she said. “Ultimately it is victim-centered if we’re reducing risk.”
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[quote]Supports of the change in terminology argue it will reduce recidivism. Opponents say it will only reduce accountability, noting victims and survivors live with their label for life.
[quote]Last year, lawmakers considered a bill that would have, among other things, eliminated the term “sexually violent predator” from statutes but they ended up pulling it.
[quote]a task force charged with sentencing reform is considering asking the legislature to change terms like “defendant,” “convict,” and “felon” to “justice-involved people.”