Donald Trump’s administration is set to recognize only two genders: male and female.
The move comes as part of a series of executive orders that the president-elect will sign on his first day back in the White House.
This is one of two orders billed as “common sense” that would eliminate all federal funding and recognition of gender identity.
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Trump acknowledged this move in his inaugural address, saying, “As of today, it is the official policy of the United States government going forward that there are only two genders: male and female.”
The definition of male and female is based on whether a person is born with eggs or sperm, not chromosomes.
Under the order, prisons, asylums for immigrants and rape victims, and other facilities would be segregated by gender based on this criteria.
Officials also said the order affects federal documents, including passports.
The order would also block requirements for transgender people to be referred to by their gender-appropriate pronouns in government facilities and workplaces.
Mr. Trump’s team argues that these requirements violate First Amendment freedoms of speech and religion.
The second “common sense” order targets diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and cuts off federal funding.
As part of this, officials said they will hold monthly meetings of relevant agencies to evaluate the DEI program and consider whether it should be shut down.
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Speaking at a rally Sunday ahead of the inauguration, Trump also said he would suspend transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports.
The move would partially rescind one order President Joe Biden signed on his first day in office four years ago.
Throughout his campaign, Trump has spoken out against expanding support and rights for transgender and non-binary people.
The order does not appear to impose nationwide mandates on which bathrooms transgender people can use or which sports events they can participate in, although many states have passed laws in these areas.
Even before Trump set foot in the Oval Office, civil rights groups were already preparing to challenge his restrictions in court.
“We will continue to persevere, continue to work, and continue to protect the rights of transgender people across the country,” Ash Orr, a spokesperson for transgender equality advocates, said last week in anticipation of such an order. .
