MONTGOMERY, AL — Today, Independent Women applauds the Alabama Legislature for the passage of the “What is a Woman Act”—inspired by Independent Women’s Stand with Women Act—moving Alabama one step closer to codifying ‘male’ and ‘female’ terms in state law. The “What is a Woman Act,” introduced by Representative Susan DuBose, defines sex-based words and protects single-sex spaces in Alabama, such as rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters, college dorms, and locker rooms. The measure prevents sex discrimination and protects legislative transparency.
Once signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey, the “What is a Woman Act” will:
1. Define sex-based terms already used across Alabama code; and
2. Declare Alabama’s interest in protecting certain single-sex spaces.
“Stand With Women” champions in the U.S. House have passed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act with bipartisan support, paving the way for the Senate bill, sponsored by Alabama Coach (Sen.) Tommy Tuberville. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has also delivered on his campaign promise to stand with women, including by signing the “Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” and “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive orders.
The “What is a Woman Act,” first introduced by Rep. Susan DuBose in the Alabama Legislature in the 2023 legislative session and then by both Rep. DuBose and Sen. April Weaver in 2024 and 2025, takes the necessary step to codify President Trump’s latest executive order to define sex-based terms, and builds upon the momentum of pro-woman policies taking place across the country.
When signed into law, Alabama will follow the lead of federal and state lawmakers in responding to the surge of support among voters driven by Independent Women’s “Stand With Women” initiative in the 2024 election to protect women’s single-sex spaces.
Rep. Susan DuBose, Alabama House of Representatives District 45, said, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to see this bill pass the legislature. Alabamians know what a woman is, and we have fought hard to ensure our laws do too. I am grateful to all my colleagues for their support in finally getting this bill to Governor Ivey’s desk, and I look forward to watching her sign it into law. As a mother, I am grateful to know that my children and the generations to come won’t have to worry about losing opportunities to men. It has been a great pleasure to work with Independent Women Forum & Voice to ensure this bill gets over the finish line. ”
Senator April Weaver, Alabama Senate District 14, said, “Sex is not a matter of opinion—it is a biological fact, grounded in Biblical truth and science. In Alabama, we know there are only two sexes: male and female. The Alabama Legislature is drawing a clear line in the sand and refusing to bow to the woke agenda or allow radical attempts to rewrite reality. Today, common sense wins, and Alabama values stand strong.”
Independent Women Ambassador Paula Scanlan said, “Representative DuBose has been a tireless champion for women and girls. Session after session she never gave up and fought hard to ensure all Alabamians are protected from being subjects of sex-discrimination. It has truly been an honor to testify in Alabama and push the legislature to define ‘woman.’ Today’s bill is another mark on history for the legislature doing the right thing, and I hope every state that hasn’t codified ‘male’ and ‘female’ terms follows Alabama’s lead.”
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