A bill defining sex as determined at birth passed the Alabama House Wednesday morning, and it’s now headed to Governor Kay Ivey’s desk — she’s already indicated she will sign the bill to codify it to Alabama law.
SB79 defines a female as someone whose reproductive system produces ova and a male as someone whose reproductive system produces sperm.
Transgender men and women, along with other allies, appeared at public hearings to oppose the bill, saying it would allow harassment and marginalization of transgender and intersex people.
The bill’s supporters say it would protect women and girls in spaces like restrooms and locker rooms.
“The purpose of this act is to bring clarity, certainty, and uniformity to the laws of Alabama regarding sex discrimination, equality of the sexes, and benefits or services specifically provided to males and men and to females and women,“ the bill says.
Republican leadership in the House unusually limited debate on the bill to 10 minutes, an aside from the usual process of allowing unlimited debate. Democrats said the 10-minute limit was unfair to their constituents.
Top Republicans said the time limit was to accommodate a busy day in the legislature, but Democrats decried the limit as unfair, saying they didn’t have enough time to discuss amendments.
