Overview

Title

To prohibit an entity from receiving Federal funds if such entity permits an individual to access or use a single-sex facility on the property of such entity that does not correspond to the biological sex of such person, and for other purposes.

ELI5 AI

This bill wants to stop giving money to places that let people use bathrooms or changing rooms that don't match the gender they were born with, unless there's an emergency.

Summary AI

H.R. 1017, known as the "Stop the Invasion of Women’s Spaces Act," aims to prohibit any entity from receiving federal funds if it allows individuals to use single-sex facilities that do not match their biological sex. The bill defines several terms, including "biological sex," "entity," "property," and "single-sex facility," to provide clarity on its application. However, exceptions are made for situations involving emergency medical personnel or law enforcement officers in active pursuit or investigation.

Published

2025-02-05
Congress: 119
Session: 1
Chamber: HOUSE
Status: Introduced in House
Date: 2025-02-05
Package ID: BILLS-119hr1017ih

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
2
Words:
624
Pages:
3
Sentences:
14

Language

Nouns: 170
Verbs: 58
Adjectives: 52
Adverbs: 5
Numbers: 13
Entities: 24

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.08
Average Sentence Length:
44.57
Token Entropy:
4.74
Readability (ARI):
23.42

AnalysisAI

General Summary of the Bill

House Bill 1017, also known as the "Stop the Invasion of Women’s Spaces Act," seeks to prohibit any entity from receiving federal funds if it allows individuals to use single-sex facilities that do not correspond to their biological sex. The bill defines entities broadly to include private entities, as well as state, tribal, and local government bodies. Single-sex facilities, as covered by this bill, include restrooms, locker rooms, or changing rooms. Some exceptions are noted, such as situations involving emergency medical personnel or law enforcement officers engaged in pursuit or investigation.

Summary of Significant Issues

One major issue is the bill's strict interpretation of "biological sex," which could exclude and negatively impact individuals who are intersex, transgender, or non-binary. The definitions of "male" and "female" appear oversimplified and may not align with current understandings in medical and sociological contexts. There is also concern about the language used, as it could be seen as non-inclusive, potentially sparking public backlash.

Another issue is the potential financial strain on entities required to comply. Organizations may face administrative burdens ensuring compliance, diverting resources that could otherwise be used more effectively. Furthermore, the select exceptions may not provide adequate flexibility for real-life scenarios, potentially making emergency responses or investigations unduly complicated.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

For the general public, this bill could have broad implications regarding access to facilities that align with personal identity, possibly leading to confusion or contention over access rights. The enforcement of such a bill could impact various public and private institutions, causing them to institute significant policy changes. This could result in increased administrative costs and complexities.

Specific stakeholders such as the LGBTQ+ community might face increased marginalization and discrimination, given that the bill does not recognize gender identity beyond biological sex. This could lead to further social divisions and distress among individuals whose identities do not conform to traditional biological definitions.

Organizations receiving federal funds may also find themselves in the challenging position of balancing compliance with the bill while also respecting the diverse identities and rights of individuals. This balancing act may lead to complex policy adjustments and increased scrutiny.

In conclusion, while the bill intends to standardize the use of certain facilities, it presents several ethical and practical challenges that need careful consideration. Its implications for both individuals and organizations highlight the diversity and complexity of contemporary gender and identity issues, requiring sensitive and inclusive approaches.

Issues

  • The definition of 'biological sex' in Section 2, subsection (c)(1) is exclusionary as it doesn't account for individuals who are intersex, transgender, or non-binary. This may lead to significant ethical and legal challenges regarding the rights and recognition of these individuals.

  • Section 2, subsection (a) imposes a prohibition on federal funding that could result in a significant administrative and financial burden on entities. These entities would need to implement policies to ensure compliance, potentially leading to wasteful spending to monitor and enforce such policies.

  • The language used in the bill, particularly in Section 2, could be interpreted as not inclusive or respectful of the identities of individuals who do not strictly identify as male or female. This could lead to public backlash and challenge the bill's ethical implications.

  • The definitions provided in Section 2, such as for terms 'entity', 'male', and 'female', may increase language complexity and the risk of misinterpretation. These definitions can lead to ambiguity or legal challenges related to current medical and sociological understandings.

  • The exceptions under Section 2, subsection (b) are limited and might not cover all necessary scenarios, potentially creating situations where access in emergencies or investigations could be unjustly restricted, raising safety concerns.

  • The short title of the Act, 'Stop the Invasion of Women’s Spaces Act' as mentioned in Section 1, may use inflammatory language that could polarize public opinion and exacerbate cultural and political divides.

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Short title Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The first section of the bill establishes its short title as the "Stop the Invasion of Women's Spaces Act."

2. Prohibition Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Federal funds cannot be given to organizations if they allow people to use bathrooms or facilities meant for the opposite biological sex, except in emergencies or police pursuits. The section also defines terms like biological sex, entity, and single-sex facility.