Alabama governor vows to sign bill that writes definitions of male and female into state law
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/alabama-governor-vows-to-sign-bill-that-writes-definitions-of-male-and-female-into-state-law/ar-AA1yUKIx?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=d003568db62744009deb4156f770a50e&ei=9
Story by KIM CHANDLER (12 Feb 2025)
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers on Wednesday gave final approval to legislation that would write definitions of male and female into state law that exclude transgender people from being recognized under their gender identity.
The state House of Representatives voted 77-12 for the bill that defines sex based on reproductive organs that are present at birth. The bill now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey who has vowed to sign it. "I look forward to signing it into law to codify common sense!" Ivey said in a statement posted on the social platform X after the bill's passage.
Some Republicans backing the bill said it is needed to protect "women-only" spaces and prevent transgender women from entering those spaces. Trans people said the bills are an attempt to deny their existence or to capitalize on prejudice for political gain.
Zephyr Scalzetti, a transgender man, said the bill could have sweeping consequences for transgender people because it would impact how they are viewed under the law. Scalzetti said the bill is "far more reaching" than just bathrooms.
"The goal is not to protect women. The goal is to eradicate trans people. That has been very blatant and public," Scalzetti said.