New York, September 10: New York Governor David Paterson today signed into law a bill that bans use of term “Oriental” in documents used by state agencies, public authorities and municipalities when referring to persons of Asian or Pacific islander heritage.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblywoman Grace Meng and Senator Craig Johnson, was earlier unanimously passed by both houses of the New York State.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Paterson said that New York State champions the rights of immigrants and “I wonder why it was not passed earlier”.
Assemblywoman Grace Meng said the word “Oriental” is derogatory and offensive in the category of race. No state agency, public authority or municipality shall use the term “Oriental” to identify or denote persons of Asian or Pacific islander heritage, she said.
The word Oriental has been used with negative connotations.
–PTI