Trump Signs Executive Order Defining Sex as Binary
On his first day back in office, President Trump signed an executive order titled 'Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government', declaring that the US government would recognise only two sexes, male and female, as determined at conception. The order directed all federal agencies to revise policies, documents, and systems accordingly, effectively eliminating official recognition of non-binary and transgender identities.
Impact & Significance
Sent shockwaves through the global LGBTQ+ community and triggered immediate legal challenges, while emboldening similar policy proposals in other countries and creating practical barriers for trans and non-binary Americans.
Reference Record
- Date
- 20 January 2025
- Era
- 2020-present
- Sources
- 2
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