Gene Keener: Gender based on DNA

It is said that ignorance is the basis of prejudice and bigotry. The NCAA, ACC and others are good examples of this truism based on their reaction to the birth certificate provision of House Bill 2 concerning bathroom use. Apparently they believe the narrative that gender can be changed from male to female, and vice versa, by a surgical and hormonal treatment procedure known as “gender reassignment.”

This narrative isn’t true; the procedure does change the appearance of gender, but not gender itself. Gender is determined by the underlying DNA which remains unchanged.

Since gender is not changed after birth, gender as stated on the birth certificate, not appearance, is the most accurate method of determining which bathroom a person should use. The provision protects the safety and privacy of all people, especially women and children, in all situations, including those involving sexual predators who often use makeup and clothing to change their appearance when committing bathroom-related crimes.

The opponents of HB2 have reacted with lack of understanding and have projected their own prejudice and bigotry on North Carolina. If they realized that gender can’t be changed, they would see the validity of the birth certificate provision.

This story was originally published October 27, 2016 at 9:26 AM with the headline "Gene Keener: Gender based on DNA."