Independent Women's Voice (IWV), the organization advocating for women amongst the onslaught of policies to accommodate transgender people in women's spaces, recently joined others in supporting State Rep. Susan DuBose's (R-Hoover) legislative efforts to codify definitions of man and women in Alabama law.
DuBose filed similar legislation in 2024. However, like many bills in that session, DuBose's attempt to codify sex-based definitions into law was buried in the wash of political maneuvering during the proverbial civil war between the House and Senate over a comprehensive gambling package.
Now, DuBose is trying again, having filed House Bill 107, also called the What is a Woman Act, on Monday as the legislature prepares to gavel in for the 2025 session on Tuesday. The bill would codify concise definitions within state law, allowing for distinct male and female spaces and recognition of those spaces based on a person's biological sex.
Although the bill's text is not yet available on the Alabama Legislature's website, DuBose has promised to amend previous versions based on controversies that have arisen since her original filing.
One amendment would specifically protect minors in overnight accommodations involving state entities. The amendment comes in response to a 2024 event at Space Camp in Huntsville where a male claiming to be a female had access to girl dorms and bathrooms.
"Alabamians clearly delivered an election mandate to preserve women's rights," DuBose said. "My colleagues and I have a responsibility to define sex-based terms and protect women's private spaces. This is not controversial, it is common sense, and momentum is on the side. I am excited to re-introduce my 'What is a Woman Act' and ensure that when Alabama statute says 'woman' or 'man,' there is no confusion over what those words mean. This bill is sound policy, rooted in objective truth, and it has tremendous public support."
The bill is widely supported both in and out of the state. According to IWV polling, 97% of Alabamians said it's important Alabama law protects private spaces for women, such as locker rooms, prisons, rape-crisis centers and sports. While 85% of respondents believed it important that Alabama pass a law to define sex-based terms like "man," "woman," "female" and "male."
"It's not anti-anyone to be pro-woman," said IWV ambassador Paula Scanlan. "Rep. DuBose has been a tireless champion for women's rights and good governing. Her 'What is a Woman Act' is a necessary bill to ensure judicial activists can't twist the meaning of common-sense words. It was a pleasure to join her in Alabama last year to advocate for her bill, and I look forward to championing it over the finish line this year."
Lieutenant Gov. Will Ainsworth announced his support for the bill, emphatically declaring the God-created male and female distinctions.
"I fully support Rep. DuBose's efforts to codify common sense into state law and fight the crazy woke theory that claims there are 74 genders that anyone can choose," Ainsworth said. "God created man in Adam and woman in Eve, and He chooses which we are, not us. That fundamental truth has remained unchanged from the dawn of time."
The Act has also been repeatedly backed by Alabama's Attorney General Steve Marshall, who has undertaken several challenges to the federal government when it attempted to encroach on female-only spaces under the auspice of so-called transgender rights.
"I applaud Rep. DuBose for her courage and leadership to protect Alabama's women and girls," Marshall stated. "The American people spoke clearly on these issues in November, President Trump has taken action, and it's time for Alabama to follow suit. I look forward to working with Susan and other members of the Legislature to ensure that Alabamians can put this issue to rest once and for all."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
