Senators Want 'Lunatic' Deleted From Federal Laws

It's an outdated, offensive term, says proposed legislation
By Dustin Lushing,  Newser Staff
Posted May 2, 2012 4:24 PM CDT
Senators Want 'Lunatic' Deleted From Federal Laws
A stock photo of the Capitol Building.   (Shutterstock)

Two senators have introduced a bill to erase the word "lunatic" from the federal code because the term is considered outdated and offensive, reports the Los Angeles Times. "Federal law should reflect the 21st century understanding of mental illness and disease," says Kent Conrad of North Dakota, who co-sponsored the bill with Mike Crapo of Idaho. Mental health advocates are voicing their support for the proposed legislation. (More lunatic stories.)

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