East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, both Republicans from Idaho, have introduced the Defining Male and Female Act of 2024. The proposed legislation aims to establish legal definitions of male, female, and sex based on biological distinctions rather than ideological perspectives.

"Men and women have biological differences that must be recognized. Women and girls deserve to feel safe and respected in all spaces, public and private," stated Senator Crapo.

Senator Risch emphasized the importance of fairness in sports and education for women: "Women in Idaho and across the country have stood up for fairness, scholarship access, and safe athletics. It’s time Congress does the same. The Defining Male and Female Act is a necessary step to protect the rights and opportunities of our daughters and granddaughters."

Senator Roger Marshall from Kansas shared his perspective as a physician: "As a physician who has delivered over 5,000 babies, I can confidently say that politicizing children's gender to use them as pawns in their radical woke agenda is not only wrong; it is extremely dangerous. I didn’t think we would need legislation to tell us that there are only two sexes: male and female, but here we are."

Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith highlighted the broader implications of the bill: "Ensuring that the legal definitions of male and female are based on biological reality is essential to protecting women and girls. This isn’t just about fairness. It’s also about safeguarding our children, upholding the fundamentals of Title IX, and defending women’s rights."

The bill seeks to ensure that legal definitions reflect biological facts rather than subjective feelings. It proposes restoring several measures:

- The legal right for girls and women to participate in sex-separate sports and access scholarships.

- The separation by sex in restrooms, locker rooms, dormitories, prisons, and shelters for victims of sexual assault.

- Recognition of objective differences between males and females as well as mothers and fathers.