Trump Administration Declares Official Recognition of Only Two Genders
CNN
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In a significant policy shift, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday declaring that the federal government officially recognizes only male and female sexes.
This executive order overturns previous initiatives by the Biden administration aimed at expanding gender identity classifications, particularly concerning passports.
“Effective today, the policy of the United States government will strictly acknowledge two genders: male and female,” Trump stated during his address, marking an early commitment to his promises made during the campaign focused on cultural issues.
Defending Biological Truth
The order, titled “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,” asserts that “sexes are unchangeable and rooted in fundamental, incontrovertible reality.”
Furthermore, the administration will transition from using the term “gender” to “sex,” defining sex as “an individual’s immutable biological classification,” as conveyed by a Trump administration official in a press briefing.
Changes Across Government Agencies
The executive order mandates that all government agencies ensure that official documentation, including passports and visas, accurately reflect the holder’s designated sex. Additionally, federal institutions such as prisons and shelters will be required to maintain single-sex facilities for privacy and safety purposes.
“Agencies will cease to promote gender ideology in communications and other messages,” the official noted, emphasizing that federal funds will no longer be allocated to support gender ideology initiatives through grants and contracts.
Impact on Inclusivity Efforts
This executive order effectively dismantles the Biden administration’s attempts to enhance inclusivity regarding Americans’ gender identities.
Since 2022, U.S. citizens had the option to select “X” as their gender marker on passports, allowing for more flexible identification without the need for matching documentation or medical proof for changes in gender status, according to the State Department.
Commitment to Equality
The State Department’s website previously stated, “We promote the freedom, dignity, and equality of all people – including LGBTQI+ individuals,” aiming to provide better services for all U.S. citizens.
In the same year, American citizens could begin changing their gender designation with the Social Security Administration without medical documentation. However, the agency still maintains records requiring a binary sex classification, although discussions were ongoing about accommodating an “X” designation in their systems.
Kilolo Kijakazi, acting commissioner at the time, stated, “The Social Security Administration’s Equity Action Plan includes a commitment to reduce administrative burdens and provide options for those identifying as gender diverse or transgender.”
This article has been updated to incorporate recent developments.
