Court rulings or official announcements from the Department of Justice

Trump Signs Order Recognizing Two Genders, Declares Life Begins at Conception

Jan 26, 2025, 05:07 PM

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reaffirming the recognition of only two genders, male and female, as part of official US policy. The order, titled 'Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government,' emphasizes biological definitions of gender, stating that 'female' refers to the sex producing the large reproductive cell and 'male' to the sex producing the small reproductive cell. The executive order also declares that human life begins at conception, further fueling debates on gender and abortion rights. Critics argue that the policy undermines the rights of transgender individuals and could erase decades of progress on civil rights. The order has sparked concerns about its implications for women’s sports, privacy in women’s spaces, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. Kara Dansky noted that the order has limitations and requires Congressional action to address broader issues. Some commentators view the move as part of a broader cultural and political agenda to combat 'wokeness,' while others see it as an overreach of federal authority. The policy has been met with both support and opposition, reflecting the polarized nature of the debate.