Just hours after his inauguration on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a controversial executive order recognizing only two genders: male and female. This move has sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ advocates and legal experts, who warn it could have far-reaching implications for transgender rights in the United States.
Trump’s Statement on the Policy
In his address following the order’s signing, Trump emphasized his administration’s commitment to what he described as “biological realities.”
“My administration will defend women’s rights and protect freedom of conscience by using clear and accurate language and policies that recognize women are biologically female, and men are biologically male,” he stated.
He further added:
“It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes – male and female. These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.”
Key Provisions of the Executive Order
The executive order mandates that official government documents, such as passports, visas, and other identification papers, will only reflect male and female as the two recognized sexes.
Additionally, the order includes the following language:
“The erasure of sex in language and policy has a corrosive impact not just on women but on the validity of the entire American system.”
Potential Challenges and Speculations
The policy is already raising concerns about its implementation and potential legal battles. Advocates for transgender rights argue that the order blatantly disregards the existence and rights of transgender and non-binary individuals, potentially violating protections under federal laws, including the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.
Legal experts have speculated that transgender individuals may challenge the order in court, arguing that it infringes upon their civil liberties and discriminates on the basis of gender identity.
Backlash and Broader Implications
The order has drawn sharp criticism from LGBTQ+ organizations and civil rights advocates, who claim it marks a significant rollback of progress made under previous administrations.
“This is not just an attack on transgender people; it’s an attack on the very idea of equality and dignity for all,” said Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality.
Supporters of transgender rights argue that the executive order could embolden states to implement discriminatory policies, potentially impacting areas such as healthcare access, employment, and education for transgender individuals.
Public Reaction
Reactions to the policy have been polarizing. While some conservative groups have praised the order as a step toward restoring “traditional values,” others warn of the societal and legal consequences of such a restrictive definition of gender.
Protests erupted in several major cities across the U.S., with activists decrying the order as an affront to human rights and equality. Social media platforms were flooded with hashtags like #TransRightsAreHumanRights and #StopTheHate, reflecting widespread discontent.