Donald Trump’s administration is set to sign a series of executive orders on his first day as the 47th President of the United States, including one that will recognise only two genders: male and female.
This order will end all federal funding and recognition of gender identities, with definitions based on biological sex determined by the presence of eggs or sperm at birth, rather than chromosomes.
The order will have far-reaching implications, including changes to federal documents, such as passports, and segregation in settings like prisons and shelters, including those for migrants and rape victims, based on biological sex.
Additionally, it will prevent government workplaces and facilities from requiring the use of pronouns that align with an individual’s gender identity, citing concerns over violations of the First Amendment’s freedom of speech and religion.
The second “common sense” order targets diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and ends their federal funding.
As part of this, officials said there would be a monthly meeting of relevant agencies to assess any DEI programs and whether they should be shut down.
In a rally prior to his inauguration, Trump further announced plans to prevent transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports, a reversal of actions taken by the Biden administration four years ago.
Throughout his campaign, Mr Trump has been vocal in his opposition to increased support and rights for transgender and nonbinary people.
The order does not appear to issue a nationwide mandate on which bathrooms transgender people can use or which sports competitions they can join, though many states have passed laws on those areas.
Civil rights groups were already preparing to challenge Mr Trump’s restrictions in court before he set foot in the Oval Office.
“We are going to persevere, we’re going to continue in our work and we’re going to continue to protect trans rights throughout the country,” said Ash Orr, a spokesperson for Advocates for Trans Equality last week, anticipating such an order.
