State Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, has introduced legislation (Senate Bill 116) known as the Kentucky Women's Bill of Rights, which is designed to provide clarity, consistency, and legal certainty regarding sex-based classifications in state law.
“The bill defines the truth of biological sex as a fixed trait determined at birth, defining key terms such as male, female, man, and woman,” Tichenor said. “It also upholds the state’s commitment to privacy, safety, and fairness by allowing sex-based distinctions in spaces like athletics, prisons, locker rooms, and shelters. Furthermore, SB 116 mandates that public schools and government entities collecting vital statistics related to sex must classify individuals strictly as male or female.”
It says biological differences between men and women are real, legally significant, and may warrant sex-based distinctions to uphold safety, privacy, and fairness. The bill ensures that state and local policies reflect these definitions and provides clear guidelines on the lawful application of sex-based classifications.
“This legislation safeguards women's rights, protects single-sex spaces, and ensures fairness in areas such as athletics, prisons, and other facilities,” Tichenor added. “The Kentucky Women's Bill of Rights is about maintaining consistency in law and ensuring that sex-based protections remain intact.”
The bill clarifies that sex discrimination laws should be interpreted as preventing unfair treatment between males and females, rather than prohibiting sex-based distinctions in areas where they are necessary for safety and fairness. SB 116 also establishes clear guidelines for how public entities collect and categorize sex-based data for public health, crime statistics, and other critical records.
Tichenor notes the measures also ensures that Kentucky law accurately reflects biological reality. By reinforcing sex-based protections, the bill upholds fairness, privacy, and safety for women across the commonwealth.
The bill, which also has 10 co-sponsors, has not yet been assigned to a committee.
Sen. Lindsey Tichenor says her bill is designed to provide clarity, consistency and legal certainty regarding sex-based classifications in state law. (LRC photo)
