Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a Republican, signed into law a “Women’s Bill of Rights,” an executive order which defines words based on gender such as “female,” woman,” and “mother,” and protects spaces for women only.

Stitt, accompanied by former NCAA Swimming Champion Riley Gaines (IWV) and the Independent Women’s Voice during the signing of the bill said: “We’re standing up against this out-of control gender ideology which is eroding our very foundation.”

IWV developed model legislation which inspired the Women’s Bill of Rights Executive Order. Oklahoma is the third State to implement the Women’s Bill of Rights. The state law and code define “sex” as biological sex from birth. Kansas and Tennessee adopted legislation based on IWV’s model.

“Today Governor Stitt tells my young daughter, and the millions other Oklahoma women and girl, that he is on their side – they don’t have to worry about their safety in female-only areas,” said Somerlyn Cthran, an Oklahoma woman businesswoman and senior vice-president of investor relations for Independent Women’s Forum & Independent Women’s Voice.

Oklahoma protects women. Cothran added, “Today the definition of a woman – for women-owned business like mine and women entrepreneurs in the entire state – has been solidified.” “Without today’s Governor’s Executive Order, this distinction would soon cease being meaningful.”

Gaines, who famously swam in front of Lia Thomas – a man who identified as a female – released a press release praising Stitt’s “decisive action” for protecting women and girls.

“Biological differences need to be taken into account in law so that female-only spaces can have a bright future.” Gaines stated that it is unfortunate that basic truths are needed to guarantee equal protection. However, I applaud Governor Stitt’s decision today.

She concluded, “Establishing common language through the Women’s Bill of Rights will allow Oklahoman women to have equal opportunities, privacy and safety. This order will make it possible.”