In Indiana, a proposed law would essentially eliminate the existence of transgender people from state regulation and claim married same-sex spouses’ recognition.
In a number of state regulations, the phrase “gender” may be replaced with “biological intercourse” under House Bill 1291, which was sponsored by State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Aboite Township).
According to the revised language, just a person’s “biological sex,” as determined by their birth gender, would be accepted legitimately.
According to the assigned sex at birth, the legislation expressly defines gender-specific conditions, such as “male,” “female,” “mother,” father,” boys, girls, men, and women.
All adult terms would be used to describe individuals whose reproductive anatomy is intended to produce eggs, and all adult terms for individuals who have ova as their primary reproductive organ.
Trans people may be prohibited by law from obtaining driver’s certificates or state identification cards that reflect their gender identity.
According to South Bend-based NBC affiliate WNDU, the law requires data set in a number of situations, including when people apply for aid benefits or state services. These situations include their “biological sex.”
The accommodation arrangements for college students and those for prisoners will also be based on a person’s biological sex.
Also, when gathering health-related information, only a woman’s biological sex may be identified.
By forbidding people of the same biological sexual from getting married, “even if the marriage is legal in the place where it was solemnized,” the proposed legislation would reinforce existing bans on same-sex unions. (In the interim, it permits women as young as 13 to wed.)
It’s unclear whether the position has the authority to forbid same-sex unions. If Obergefell v. Hodges is always overturned, as Justice Clarence Thomas has suggested, individual states have the right to enforce existing restrictions on same-sex relationships that are already in effect, according to the Respect for Marriage Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law in 2022. However, they must acknowledge the legal standing of relationships that have been officially performed elsewhere.
Until it is revived, if at all, during the forthcoming parliamentary session, Judy’s act has been partially referred to the court commission.
The act is a nearly identical piece of legislation that has been passed in Nebraska and Oklahoma and that claims to “protect” women’s freedom by forbidding the state from ever acknowledging someone by their identity.
Democratic lawmakers are anticipated to push through a similar law after this session that was introduced in Florida. According to that bill, transgender people must sign an affidavit properly renouncing their gender identity in order to obtain a state ID card or driver’s license, which is necessary for many commonplace activities.
