U.S. Navy To Focus On Biological Sex, Not Gender Identity

navy U.S. Navy International Court Of Justice This photo provided by the U.S. Navy on Feb. 11, 2023 shows U.S. Navy Sailors aboard the USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) during a routine port visit a

The U.S. Navy has announced a significant policy change regarding gender identity within its ranks. According to a recent memo obtained by sources, the Navy will no longer inquire about gender identity, instead focusing solely on biological sex in forms and single-sex spaces on ships and bases.

The memo, dated Tuesday, emphasizes that the U.S. officially recognizes only two sexes, which are considered non-interchangeable. It specifically mentions the designation of single-sex 'intimate spaces,' such as bathrooms and living quarters for single sailors, on bases and ships.

These adjustments come in response to an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump last month, titled 'Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.' The order asserts that there are only two sexes, male and female, and directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to adhere to these definitions and promote policies that acknowledge biological distinctions.

Single-sex spaces on ships and bases will be based on biological sex.

The U.S. Navy will no longer inquire about gender identity.

Official recognition of only two sexes: male and female.

Both the Air Force and Army have also issued guidance aligning with Trump's orders to eliminate gender identity policies earlier this month. The move affects an estimated 14,700 U.S. military personnel who identified as transgender as of 2018, with a 2021 military survey indicating that approximately 1.7% of service members either identified as transgender or had a gender identity different from their sex at birth.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed support for the administration's stance, stating, 'This administration is bringing back common sense and restoring biological truth to the federal government.' He criticized the previous administration's efforts to integrate gender ideology into public life.

Trump's executive orders related to gender have faced legal challenges, including lawsuits from progressive and LGBT advocacy groups. These groups argue that the orders violate civil rights protections for transgender individuals, particularly in areas such as participation in women's sports and military service.