Republican senator apologizes after affirming 'fundamental scientific truth' of biological sex

Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis (Wyo.) has caved to the outrage mob, issuing an apology after affirming the existence of "two sexes" as absolute scientific truth.

What is the background?

While speaking to graduates at the University of Wyoming commencement on Saturday, Lummis observed that truth itself is under attack in our postmodern world, including the "fundamental scientific truth" about biological sex.

"[This includes] our rights to freedom of speech, religion, property, assembly, and to keep and bear arms," Lummis said, adding, "Even fundamental scientific truths, such as the existence of two sexes — male and female — are subject to challenge these days."

The crowd of graduates immediately reacted with loud jeers and boos. Lummis tried to save face, but swiftly moved to a different topic when the raucous crowd did not subside.

Video: UW students boo Sen. Lummis for comment about "two sexes"www.youtube.com

What did the apology say?

The Wyoming senator apologized for making people feel "un-welcomed" and "disrespected" for affirming the truth about biological sex.

"My reference to the existence of two sexes was intended to highlight the times in which we find ourselves, times in which the metric of biological sex is under debate with potential implications for the shared Wyoming value of equality," she said in a statement, according to Oil City News.

"I share the fundamental belief that women and men are equal, but also acknowledge that there are biological differences and circumstances in which these differences need to be recognized," she continued. "That being said, it was never my intention to make anyone feel un-welcomed or disrespected, and for that I apologize. I have appreciated hearing from members of the University of Wyoming community on this issue, and I look forward to continuing this dialogue."

What did the university say?

The university also released a statement apologizing for Lummis' remarks.

Writing to university faculty and students, the statement claimed that Lummis' comment — that biological sex is a fundamental scientific truth — is "not the scientific truth."

"Regardless of biological sex, gender has a wide variety of expression. Research and lived experience continue to reveal more about the connection and interaction of gender presentation and identity," the statement added.

The statement also described Lummis' comments as "harmful" and "marginalizing," claiming they distracted from the accomplishments of graduates that the commencement ceremony was meant to celebrate.