House approves bill declaring 'two sexes' in state policy after heated floor debate

The Tennessee House passed HB 12-71 on Wednesday, a bill that states the policy of the state recognizes two sexes, male and female.

Sponsor Leader Cochran argued the measure would provide clarity and consistency for governance and policy, saying the bill "ensures Tennessee law reflects objective biological reality." Supporters framed the bill as a clarification for statutes and administrative practice.

Opponents pressed that the proposal was scientifically simplistic and risked harm to intersex people and others whose bodies or identities do not fit narrow binary categories. Representative Salinas urged caution, calling the measure "scientifically incorrect" and warning it could cause harm. Representative Johnson and others described medical conditions and genetic diversity (and quoted prevalence figures for conditions like androgen insensitivity) as reason to avoid rigid statutory definitions.

Several floor amendments seeking to limit enforcement mechanisms, require local control deference, or recognize impacts on people seeking reproductive and other medical care were offered and defeated or ruled outside the scope of the bill. After debate and recorded votes on previous question and final passage, the House approved the measure by recorded vote.

Why it matters The bill reaches into how state law, agencies and local governments may treat sex and gender in statutes, policies and procedures. Opponents said that the law could produce confusion for local governments and harm to intersex and transgender Tennesseans; supporters said it restores clarity.

What happens next The bill, as passed by the House, will proceed to the Senate for consideration (or return in conference if the companion has differences). The law’s text and scope of application will matter for local governments, schools and state agencies if it becomes statute.

The House adjourned until 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026.