OKLAHOMA CITY – Republican Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt presidential decree Tuesday — Target trans women by defining gender-based words such as “female,” “woman,” and “mother,” and designating women-only spaces that assume their “birth-assigned” gender.

The governor’s orders are directed to state agencies. The state already has laws restricting transgender sports participation, access to public restrooms and other accommodations, and legislation targeting gender-affirming healthcare.

Mr. Stitt signed into law in March Senate Bill 2, “defend women’s sports laws,” which restrict transgender girls from playing on school sports teams that match their gender identity.He also signed the anti-trans bill Senate Bill 615 The law requires all students in grades K-12 in public and charter schools to use toilets and changing rooms according to the gender listed on their birth certificate.

Stitt also signed Senate Bill 613, which criminalizes medical professionals who provide gender-affirming medical care to minor patients. The law now makes it a felony for doctors to provide transgender youth with treatments such as anti-pubertal drugs and hormones.

“In reaffirming our commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity, and sanctity of women throughout Oklahoma, I believe that the true definition of the word female, which means biological female, is the state’s policy. As long as I am governor, we will continue to protect women and ensure that women-only spaces are reserved exclusively for biological women,” the governor said. said while signing the order.

Joining the governor is the right-wing anti-trans extremist group Independent Women’s Voices, which includes the NCAA’s approval of transgender swimmer Leah Thomas to compete in the women’s championship race. Also included was Riley Gaines, a former University of Kentucky swimmer known to criticize the decision.

“To ensure that women-only spaces have a future, the law must respect biological differences,” Riley Gaines told those gathered at the governor’s signing ceremony. While it’s sad that we have to reveal such fundamental truths to ensure equal protection, we commend Governor Stitt for taking decisive action today. Establishing a common language with the Women’s Bill of Rights is a way to show that enough is enough. Oklahoma women are entitled to equal opportunities, privacy and safety, and this mandate will help make that happen. ”

The Associated Press reported:

The executive order mandates state agencies and commissions to define the terms “female” and “male” according to the gender assigned at birth, as well as the terms “male,” “boy,” and “female.” It also contains the definition of “Girl”, “Dad”, “Mother”. The order defines a woman as “a person whose biological reproductive system is designed to produce eggs” and a man as “a person whose biological reproductive system is designed to fertilize a woman’s eggs”. specifically defined.

Also, direct schools and other state agencies to use these definitions when collecting vital statistics, and urge schools to provide separate toilet and changing room facilities for boys and girls. instructing.

“Today, Gov. Stitt will sign a policy created by groups that have opposed both the Equal Rights Amendment and the Pay Equity Act while claiming they care about women.

“This executive order is not about rights, it is not about protecting women. All women can be harassed and targeted as their femininity is valued and judged by a public that feels more empowered to regulate their gender, opening the door to further civil rights violations.

“We know that this executive order, like the bill that is being put forward by this same body in Congress right now, is not rooted in what’s best for women, or even clarity in the law. , is a blatant glorification of transmisogyny by the governor’s office,” said Nicole McAfee, executive director of Freedom, Oklahoma.

“There will always be spirits, transgenders, and gender nonconforming people in Oklahoma. And we will always be here. We make no pretenses, but we will continue to act with urgency towards a future in which all 2SLGBTQ+ can thrive in safety.”