The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that judges and court staff in the state must use the 'preferred pronouns' of lawyers and their clients. The measure will go into effect as of January 1, 2024.
Under the new rule, the Michigan Supreme Court and attorneys and litigants can include their preferred salutations and personal pronouns in court records.
We serve the entire public and are required to treat those who come before us with civility and respect. The gender identity of a member of the public is a part of their individual identity, regardless of whether others agree or approve.
Michigan Supreme Court by Williams Perdomo on Scribd
This is a decision that was debated for several hours until it was approved by a majority of 5 to 2. Michigan is the first state to require judges to use the 'preferred pronouns' of the parties, according to the Daily Wire.
According to the court's ruling, "The amendment of MCR 1.109(D)(1)(b)allows parties and attorneys to provide a preferred salutation or personal pronoun in document captions and requires courts to use one of the following means of addressing, referring to, or identifying the party or attorney: the individual’s name, preferred salutation, personal pronoun, or other respectful means that is not inconsistent with the individual’s designated salutation or personal pronoun."
