People are very fond of the Shirley argument. The Shirley argument goes like this:

“Surely the people who implement this law will do common-sense things to avoid ridiculous results!”

The Shirley argument is always wrong, usually because of non-systematic yet surprisingly pervasive discrimination… and sometimes because of systematic and intentional discrimination. And occasionally because people aren’t perfect. But it’s always wrong.

Laws can be incredibly pedantic: if you’re not sure, go read some. A law which seems to inadvertently leave loopholes is not a well-written law; anything which you can immediately spot is deliberate.

And don’t call me Shirley.

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