Trump administration to recognise only two genders, male and female

Donald Trump's government is set to recognise only two genders, male and female.

The move will come as part of a swathe of executive orders the incoming president will sign on his first day back in the White House.

 
It is one of two branded as "common sense" orders and will end all federal funding or recognition of gender identities.

The definition of male and female will be based on whether people are born with eggs or sperm, rather than on their chromosomes.

Under the order, prisons and settings such as shelters for migrants and rape victims would be segregated by sex, based on this criteria.

Officials also said the order would impact federal documents including passports.

The order would also block requirements at government facilities and at workplaces that transgender people be referred to using the pronouns that align with their gender.

Mr Trump's team says those requirements violate the First Amendment's freedom of speech and religion.

 
 
 
The second "common sense" order targets diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and ends their federal funding.

As part of this, officials said there would be a monthly meeting of relevant agencies to assess any DEI programs and whether they should be shut down.