Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1731

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/24
• Refer: 2/6/24

Caption

Definitions and general provisions; limiting permissible applications of specified term or definition. Emergency.

Impact

The enactment of SB1731 would have significant implications for individual rights and the recognition of gender identity within Oklahoma. By narrowing the definitions of gender, this bill may affect policies related to anti-discrimination, public health, and educational materials. It could limit the ability of public entities to provide inclusive environments for individuals who do not fit neatly into the defined categories, potentially leading to challenges in the realms of employment, healthcare, and education for non-binary or transgender individuals.

Summary

Senate Bill 1731 is a legislative proposal that aims to strictly define the terms 'gender' and 'sex' within the state of Oklahoma's legal framework. The bill stipulates that the only recognized definitions for these terms are male (XY), female (XX), and intersex for individuals born with specific mutations. This legislation seeks to limit the interpretations and applications of gender-related terms by any public entity, including state agencies and educational institutions, thus centralizing the state’s legal stance on gender identity and preventing broader definitions or applications of the terms.

Contention

Contention surrounding SB1731 arises from concerns regarding the potential marginalization of individuals who identify outside of the defined categories. Supporters of the bill may argue for the necessity of clear definitions to preserve traditional values; however, opponents contend that such a restrictive approach undermines inclusivity and fails to recognize the complexities of human identity. The emergency clause included means that if passed, the bill would take immediate effect, raising urgency in its implications for ongoing and future legislative discussions around gender identity and rights in Oklahoma.