A Biblical Perspective on Gender and Senate Bill 9

Senate Bill 9 (SB 9), which seeks to define “sex” based solely on reproductive biology and genetics at birth, raises important questions—not just about law and policy but about theology and the nature of human identity. As people of faith, we must ask: Does this bill align with the biblical understanding of God and humanity? The Bible presents a God who transcends human gender distinctions. Genesis 1:27 states: “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” If humanity is made in God’s image and that image includes both male and female, then God cannot be confined to human gender categories. Throughout Scripture, God is described with both masculine and feminine traits: • Masculine Imagery: God as Father (Matthew 6:9), King (Psalm 47:7) • Feminine Imagery: God as a mother comforting her child (Isaiah 66:13), a woman in labor (Isaiah 42:14), and a mother eagle caring for her young (Deuteronomy 32:11) If God is beyond gender and we are made in His image, then human identity should not be reduced to rigid biological definitions alone. The diversity within humanity—including variations in gender expression—reflects the complexity of God’s own nature. The Bible does not present a simplistic view of gender but instead offers a vision of creation where all people bear God’s image. By defining sex strictly by reproductive biology at birth, SB 9 risks ignoring the biblical truth that identity is deeper than physical characteristics. If our faith teaches that God’s image is not limited to one gender, should we impose such limitations on people? Instead of restricting human identity to narrow categories, we should recognize the dignity and worth of all individuals as reflections of God’s divine nature. As Christians, our responsibility is to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). Any law that defines people in a way that contradicts the fullness of God’s creation deserves careful reconsideration. Rather than enforcing rigid gender distinctions, we should strive to honor the divine image in every person, embracing the complexity and beauty of God’s design.