U.S. delegates have recently raised objections to the use of the word “gender” in United Nations documents across a diverse range of forums, including discussions on women's rights, science and technology, global health, and environmental issues. This stance, first reported by ProPublica, has emerged during debates on international resolutions and policy documents. The objections reflect a broader U.S. position challenging the concept of gender identity in favor of a biologically defined sex.
According to a U.S. delegate speaking at the U.N. in June, “Use of the term ‘gender’ replaces the biological category of sex with an ever-shifting concept of self-assessed gender identity and is demeaning and unfair, especially to women and girls.” White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly further clarified the administration's position, stating it prioritizes “America First — not enforcing woke gender ideology.” This approach has also seen objections to phrases like “sexual and reproductive health” and “reproductive rights,” which delegates argued advanced a “radical abortion agenda.”
The U.S. objections have impacted various UN discussions, from a routine forum on chemical pollution to sustainable development documents. The insistence on litigating the term “gender” complicates the consensus-driven procedures of the U.N., often leading to delays and documents marked with numerous unresolved “brackets.” This consistent challenge extends to documents discussing gender equality and equity, even in scientific panel descriptions.
This international posture aligns with recent domestic executive actions by the U.S. administration. These actions aim to define gender as an immutable male-female binary determined at conception, and have included directives to remove “gender ideology” references from federal websites and documents. Such policies also restrict federal funding for programs promoting “gender ideology” and impact gender-affirming care.
The United Nations has long affirmed gender equality as a fundamental human right and a core value, with numerous resolutions and bodies dedicated to its advancement. UN officials and human rights experts have voiced concerns over a growing backlash against the concept of gender equality and the potential rollback of women's rights. Despite opposition from some states, the UN continues to emphasize the importance of gender-inclusive language and the empowerment of women and girls for sustainable development.