MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey signed Senate Bill 79, also known as the “What is a Woman?” bill, into law on Thursday afternoon. The bill, sponsored by Senator April Weaver and Representative Susan Dubose, defines gender as strictly male and female based on biological sex at birth.
Governor Ivey was joined by the bill’s sponsors in her office for the official signing. Following the signing, the governor issued a statement emphasizing the bill’s stance on gender definitions.
“If the Good Lord made you a boy, you’re a boy. And if He made you a girl, you’re a girl. In Alabama, we believe there are two genders: Male and female. There is nothing complicated or controversial about it. Today, I was proud to officially answer the question ‘What is a Woman?’ with my signature on Senate Bill 79. It did not take a biologist to figure it out. Thank you, Senator April Weaver and Representative Susan Dubose, for your work on this,” Ivey stated.
Supporters of the bill argue that it provides legal clarity regarding gender classifications in the state. Critics, however, contend that the legislation excludes transgender individuals and could impact their legal recognition and rights.
Alabama joins other states that have passed similar laws defining gender based on biological sex. The bill’s implementation and potential legal challenges remain topics of discussion among lawmakers and advocacy groups.
