Virginia House Bill HJR86

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/24
• Refer: 1/19/24

Caption

Rights of women; affirming biological differences between the sexes.

Impact

The resolution seeks to clarify state laws concerning definitions of 'sex', 'man', 'woman', and related terms, affirming that a person’s sex should be defined as their biological sex at birth. Consequently, this could impact existing state laws and policies, ensuring that they align with these definitions. The aim is to guard against the erosion of female-only spaces, which may be at risk due to changing societal norms regarding gender identity.

Summary

HJR86 is a joint resolution asserting the recognition and affirmation of women's rights based on biological differences between sexes. The resolution states that males and females possess unique and immutable biological traits, particularly emphasizing the reproductive capacities of females, which include pregnancy and childbirth. It highlights the historical context of women's discrimination in various societal fields such as education and employment and argues for the necessity of defining terms related to sex in legal contexts to protect women’s rights effectively.

Contention

Notably, HJR86 may incite significant debate around issues of gender identity and rights. Critics may argue that reaffirming biological definitions could marginalize transgender individuals and inhibit the inclusivity of policies aimed at gender equality. The resolution posits that distinctions based on sex are legitimate for important governmental objectives, but this stance raises questions about fairness and discrimination against non-binary or transgender persons, fueling potential contention in future legislative actions.