MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey used her State of the State address Tuesday night to outline her legislative agenda, focusing on crime and public safety while also pushing conservative social policies, including measures targeting transgender individuals and renewed efforts to display the Ten Commandments in public spaces.
Ivey, an 80-year-old Republican, called for bans on gun conversion devices and proposed reforms to Alabama’s habitual offender law. But much of her speech played to conservative cultural grievances, particularly with a pointed declaration on gender identity: “There are only two genders: male and female.” The line drew applause from Republican lawmakers but underscored a broader trend—policy taking a backseat to political signaling. Critics argue such remarks do little to address Alabama’s most pressing challenges while unnecessarily targeting a marginalized group.
Ivey also voiced support for legislation reinforcing the public display of the Ten Commandments, a frequent talking point in Alabama politics. The proposal builds on a 2018 state constitutional amendment allowing such displays in schools and government buildings. While framed as a defense of traditional values, the push raises questions about selective religious observance. The Ten Commandments include prohibitions against coveting—a foundation of modern consumer capitalism—as well as rules against images and working on the Sabbath, all of which are largely ignored by those championing their public display. The effort appears less about adhering to the commandments’ teachings and more about using them as a cultural and political symbol.
The governor’s address also included an awkward moment when she referred to the “Gulf of America,” a phrase that quickly drew ridicule online.
With Republicans firmly in control of the legislature, Ivey’s proposals are expected to move forward without major opposition. But the speech signaled a continued focus on political posturing rather than substantive policymaking, a trend that has become increasingly common in GOP-led states.