The "Women's Safety and Protection Act" is designed to enhance the safety and protection of women and girls in various environments, including correctional facilities, domestic violence shelters, and public schools. The legislation establishes clear definitions of biological sex and emphasizes the necessity of maintaining sex distinctions in settings where safety and privacy are critical. Key provisions include the requirement for separate accommodations based on biological sex in public facilities, the designation of restrooms and changing rooms for exclusive use by either females or males in domestic violence shelters and schools, and a standard of review for laws that differentiate between sexes, allowing such distinctions when there is an important governmental interest.
Additionally, the bill provides individuals with a cause of action for violations, enabling those harmed by non-compliance to seek remedies, including injunctive relief and actual damages. It creates a rebuttable presumption that housing individuals with members of the opposite sex in specific facilities is inherently discriminatory and harmful to biological women. The legislation mandates that all civil actions must be initiated within two years from the date of harm and includes a severability clause to ensure the enforceability of remaining provisions if any part of the Act is invalidated. Overall, the Act aims to protect individuals from discrimination and retaliation while outlining their rights and available remedies.