Bill Redefining “Woman” Celebrated by Women Everywhere

An Arizona House of Representatives Committee has passed a significant piece of legislation aimed at defining sex-based terms. The bill, known as HB 2062, also referred to as the Arizona Sex-based Terms Act, received endorsement from the Independent Women’s Voice, which issued a press release to celebrate this move.

Representative Lisa Fink, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the necessity of defining terms like “woman” to safeguard women’s rights. In the previous year, a similar bill was passed by the legislatures but faced a veto from Governor Katie Hobbs. Paula Scanlan, legislative liaison for Independent Women’s Voice, expressed hope for a more favorable outcome in 2025, urging bipartisan support for future legislation. “2025 is the year for women’s rights in Arizona to be protected,” she stated.

If signed into law, HB 2062 would: define sex-based terms for state administrative purposes, protect single-sex spaces, and ensure vital statistics accurately reflect biological sex. Fink, a freshman legislator, remarked on the importance of establishing clear legal definitions for terms used in 107 state statutes. She referenced recent bipartisan support for federal legislation aimed at protecting women in sports as a potential catalyst for local agreement.

Local parent and Independent Women’s Network chair, Christy Narsi, echoed Fink’s sentiments, asserting that the bill is vital for ensuring equal rights for the 3 million women and girls in Arizona, including her daughters. “It’s time to give Governor Hobbs another chance to do the right thing,” she urged.

The bill progressed from the House committee with a partisan 4-3 vote, garnering support from Republicans while facing opposition from Democrats. It is now set for a full chamber vote. Various organizations weighed in, with supporters including the Center for Arizona Policy, while notable opposition came from groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona.