CBS is reporting that the city of Berkeley, California, is banning some common words in favor of gender-neutral alternatives.
They say words like 'manhole' will be removed from the municipal code.
CBS says an ordinance on gender neutral language, introduced by council member Rigel Robinson in March, was passed Tuesday night.
"In recent years, broadening societal awareness of transgender and gendernonconforming identities has brought to light the importance of non-binary gender inclusivity. Therefore, it is both timely and necessary to make the environment of City Hall and the language of city legislation consistent with the principles of inclusion," Robinson's ordinance reads.
They say the ordinance includes a list of gendered terms that are in city code and the new gender-neutral terms that can be used instead.
Words like 'firemen' or 'firewomen' will be replaced with 'firefighters.' 'Manpower' will be replaced with 'human effort' or 'workforce.' Sororities and fraternities will now go by 'Collegiate Greek system residence.'
CBS says this list also includes instances where he, her, she and him are used in city code and the new pronouns that should be used. As an example, if an attorney is mentioned, they will be referred to as 'the attorney' now instead of a gendered pronoun.
They say that supporters of the new policy say it is a small move towards recognizing non-binary gender inclusivity.
CBS says a second reading of the ordinance has been scheduled for next Tuesday.
They say that in 2018, the state of California stopped defining gender as just male or female and recognized non-binary as a third gender option on official documents. Maine and Washington D.C. have also made moves to recognize gender-neutral individuals on drivers licenses.
(CBS News contributed to this report.)
