BALTIMORE -- Nine Baltimore City Council members have joined a Council member's proposal to ban use of the six-letter "N" word, WBAL-TV reporter Barry Simms said.

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Barry Simms Outlines The Controversy

Councilman Melvin Stukes introduced a resolution prohibiting people from using the word, which he says is derogatory and is used too often. He says the word is "defamatory, offensive and hurtful."

Councilwoman Lois Garey said she doesn't think the word should be used, but she doesn't think it should be banned by law. She said not using the word "should be so ingrained by this time that we shouldn't have to put it into words or in law."

Stukes says that by ignoring the use of the word, officials give the impression -- especially to young people -- that it's acceptable. He said he wants to ban other derogatory words as well, and to encourage young people to dress more conservatively.