Gov. Ivey Signs ‘What is a Woman?’ Bill into Law, Defining Sex at Birth in Alabama

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed into law Senate Bill 79, known as the “What is a Woman?” Act, which defines sex-based terms and establishes legislative policy regarding sex and gender identity. The bill mandates that vital statistics report an individual’s sex as male or female at birth.

In a press release, Governor Ivey stated, “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.”

The legislation, sponsored by Senator April Weaver (R-Brierfield) and Representative Susan DuBose (R-Hoover), passed the Alabama Senate with a 26-5 vote and the House with a 77-12 vote, with all opposition coming from Democratic members.

Governor Ivey posted on social media saying, “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.”

Opponents of the bill, including transgender individuals and advocacy groups, have expressed concerns that it could lead to increased harassment and threats against transgender people.

The legislation codifies into law that all Alabamians are either male or female.