Opinion - Upholding biological truth: Supporting Trump's executive order on gender recognition

February 9, 2025
Healthcaretoday, President Donald Trump, gender identity, Gender recognition, Trump Executive Order, Healthcare Malaysia, Cultural Stability, Traditional Values, Public Health, LGBTQ, Islamic Law, LGBTQ Literature Ban, Conservative Values, Healthcare Policy,
President Trump signs an executive order recognizing only two sexes that are 'not changeable at an indoor inauguration event in Washington.
​​​​On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders that have reignited the debate over gender identity in the United States. These orders affirm that the U.S. government will officially recognize only two sexes: male and female. This decision has significant implications not only within the U.S. but also internationally, particularly in countries like Malaysia, where issues of gender and sexuality are deeply intertwined with cultural, religious, and legal frameworks.

Understanding the executive orders
President Trump’s executive orders aim to roll back previous policies that recognized a spectrum of gender identities beyond the binary classification. This move aligns with a broader conservative agenda that seeks to redefine social norms around gender and sexuality.

According to Section 7301 of Title 5, the policy of the United States is to recognize two immutable sexes, grounded in fundamental biological reality. The Executive Branch will enforce all sex-protective laws to promote this reality, with clear definitions:
  • "Sex" refers to an individual’s immutable biological classification as either male or female, distinct from the concept of "gender identity."
  • "Women" and "girls" refer to adult and juvenile human females, respectively.
  • "Men" and "boys" refer to adult and juvenile human males, respectively.
  • "Female" is defined as a person who produces the large reproductive cell.
  • "Male" is defined as a person who produces the small reproductive cell.

"Gender ideology" replaces the biological category of sex with a shifting concept of self-assessed gender identity, leading to confusion and inconsistency.

While these orders have sparked widespread debate and protests across the U.S., they represent a necessary affirmation of biological truths that can have beneficial effects beyond American borders.

The context of gender identity in Malaysia
Malaysia is characterized by its diverse cultural and religious landscape, with a majority Muslim population whose beliefs significantly influence the nation’s laws and societal norms. In Malaysia, gender identity is often viewed through a binary lens, similar to the recent U.S. executive orders. However, individuals who do not conform to these norms often face harsh realities.

Legal framework
In Malaysia, laws concerning gender identity are largely rooted in Islamic law, which does not recognize transgender identities. The country has witnessed arrests of LGBTQ+ individuals under strict legal provisions. For instance, the Penal Code of 1936 criminalizes same-sex intimacy, with severe penalties including imprisonment and corporal punishment. While transgender individuals are not explicitly criminalized, existing laws can be applied to target them.

Since the 2018 election, there has been a crackdown on the LGBTQ+ community, with numerous reports of arrests and prosecutions. A high-profile case involved a prominent transgender woman fleeing the country in 2021 due to threats of arrest based on her gender identity.

The impact of U.S. policies on Malaysia
Though geographically distant, U.S. policies often reverberate globally. Here are several ways in which President Trump’s executive orders could positively affect Malaysia:
  • Cultural influence: The U.S. has long been a cultural powerhouse, exporting its values and norms worldwide. The reaffirmation of a strict binary view of gender may resonate with conservative factions, potentially reinforcing traditional gender roles and providing clarity in societal norms.
  • Political ramifications: Malaysian politicians may align with the U.S. position, justifying stricter regulations against LGBTQ+ individuals as necessary to uphold traditional values. This alignment could lead to a more cohesive national identity based on biological realities.

The response from Malaysian Society
The reaction to the U.S. executive orders within Malaysia will likely vary across different segments of society.

This could lead to intensified campaigns against LGBTQ+ ideology. For instance, the Home Ministry recently announced a ban on a book of Malay poetry and two English books for juveniles claiming they contained "morally harmful" elements. This move reflects a growing trend to regulate literature and ideas perceived as contrary to traditional values.

The banned poetry book, “Koleksi Puisi Masturbasi” by Amir Hamzah Akal Ali, faced scrutiny two years after authorities seized copies, despite not being previously banned. Similarly, children’s literature like “My Shadow Is Purple” and young adult novels such as “All That’s Left In The World” have come under fire for promoting themes of gender fluidity.

EXPLORE FURTHER