The proposed policy, which would officially define terms like “man” and “woman” based on biological sex at birth, was submitted this week by Jacksonville representative Dean Black.
A lawmaker from Northeast Florida wants to legally specify the terms “man” and “woman” based on biological sex at birth. JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
The proposed What Is a Woman Act, which would also establish new standards on state authorities and insurance firms regarding transgender people, was submitted this week by Jacksonville representative Dean Black.
Black believes it’s important to make it clear that “sex is dictated by science.”
The proposed legislation aims to change the word “gender” with “sex” on state legal documents, in addition to defining terms like “female” and “male.”
Black argued that there shouldn’t be any controversy surrounding it.
Black remarked, “We have known since the beginning of time that your biology dictated your sex.” All I’m doing is adding what we’ve always known—and just lately, a few people have started to question—to Florida Statute.
Any identification cards that don’t match a person’s sex on their birth certificate must be revoked by state agencies, according to House Bill 1233.
Senior Policy Advisor Carlos Guillermo Smith of Equality Florida stated that they are ready to oppose the bill in this congressional session at the Capitol.
According to Smith, “threatening to withdraw driver’s licenses from trans men and women is about denying their legal existence.” In the end, it’s about bullying them out of common living and outright from Florida.
Additionally, it may compel private healthcare providers who provide coverage for transition surgery to pay for de-transitioning procedures.
Many people who had that surgery later regret it and want to return to what they were born to be, Black said.
Smith claimed that this is untrue.
Less than 1% of transgender and non-binary people regret transitioning, according to a study that was published by Johns Hopkins University, Smith said.
LGBTQ+ organizations claim that this “attack” is nothing new for their community.
Smith remarked, “It is an ugly, mean, targeted act that helps no one, and it should be voted down and rejected by politicians for what it is.”
Black adheres to his proposed legislation.
Black remarked, “I think it’s the right thing for all Floridians.”
The bill will then be given to committees and put through the legislative process. A senate bill counterpart will also be required, and Black stated that he anticipates filing it soon.
