Merriam-Webster changed the definition of “preference” to include that it is an “offensive” term when used to describe someone’s sexual orientation.
“As recently as last month, Webster’s Dictionary included a definition of ‘preference’ as ‘orientation’ or ‘sexual preference.’ TODAY they changed it and added the word ‘offensive.'” journalist Steve Krakauer said. “Insane — I just checked through Wayback Machine and it’s real.”
As recently as last month, Webster’s Dictionary included a definition of “preference” as “orientation” or “sexual preference.” TODAY they changed it and added the word “offensive.”
Insane – I just checked through Wayback Machine and it’s real.
(via @ThorSvensonn & @chadfelixg) pic.twitter.com/oOq1SNtCP2
— Steve Krakauer (@SteveKrak) October 14, 2020
The dictionary had defined “preference” to include sexual orientation until at least Sept. 28, according to National Review.
“The term preference as used to refer to sexual orientation is widely considered offensive in its implied suggestion that a person can choose who they are sexually or romantically attracted to,” Merriam-Webster stated in an update of the definition.
Reports of the update come after Sen. Mazie Hirono, a Democrat from Hawaii, admonished Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett on her use of “sexual preference” during her second day of hearings to be confirmed to the court.
Barrett told Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat from California, during the hearing that she “never discriminated on the basis of sexual preference and would not ever discriminate on the basis of sexual preference.”
Hirono addressed the use of the phrase later on Tuesday, saying it is an “offensive and outdated term.”
“Even though you didn’t give a direct answer, I think your response did speak volumes,” Hirono said. “Not once but twice you used the term ‘sexual preference’ to describe those in the LGBTQ community.”
“And let me make clear: ‘Sexual preference’ is an offensive and outdated term,” she added. “It is used by anti-LGBTQ activists to suggest that sexual orientation is a choice.”
Barrett then apologized for using the phrase.
