Definitions and general provisions; limiting permissible applications of specified term or definition; prohibiting public entity from using other applications. Emergency.
Impact
If enacted, SB251 will significantly impact how gender and sex are defined in public policy and state law. By codifying this rather restrictive interpretation, the bill aims to eliminate ambiguity concerning these terms, which could influence a variety of areas such as education policies, healthcare services, and record-keeping within public institutions. The intent is to provide clarity and uniformity regarding gender classifications in the public sector, which supporters argue is necessary for legal consistency.
Summary
Senate Bill 251, introduced by Senator Dahm, seeks to explicitly define the permissible applications of the terms 'gender' and 'sex' within the state of Oklahoma's legal framework. The bill limits these definitions to only male (XY), female (XX), and intersex for individuals born with a genetic anomaly. This legislation prohibits any public entity, including state agencies, political subdivisions, or boards of education, from utilizing any alternate definitions or applications of gender or sex.
Contention
The bill is likely to provoke considerable debate, particularly among advocacy groups and communities that support a broader interpretation of gender. Critics of the bill may argue that it restricts the rights and recognition of individuals who identify outside traditional gender binaries. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the implications of such limitations on public services, educational policies, and individuals' rights to self-identify. The emergency declaration associated with the bill suggests an urgency perceived by its proponents, possibly to preempt any legal challenges or societal pushback.
Definitions and general provisions; limiting permissible applications of specified term or definition; prohibiting public entity from using other applications. Emergency.