Miss America clarifies 'naturally born female' rule after threat from attorney generalhttps://www.thepinknews.com/2026/04/16/miss-america-naturally-born-female-rule/ 🔗Poppy-Jay St. Palmer (16 April 2026)
A spokesperson for Miss America shared on 13 April that the policy wording had been revised earlier this year.
As per the new policy, trans women may not compete, and intersex women must undergo corrective surgery on any ambiguous genitalia before entering the competition.
Communications Manager for Miss America HQ Mallory Hudson said in a statement to The Washington Times: "The current eligibility policy as to gender was formally updated in the second half of 2024 and was revised again in 2026 to ensure consistency, transparency, and respect for all individuals who meet the qualifications to compete."
She continued: "This update was developed with legal guidance and reflects our ongoing commitment to fairness and inclusion. Specifically, our participation policy affirms eligibility for Intersex females, which are those born with female chromosomes, but non-conforming genitalia."
The statement regarding the recent policy change comes after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sent the Miss America organisation a letter on 10 April saying that the competition, as well as Miss Florida, may have violated state law against deceptive business practices.
