Madison, Wisconsin – Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin has vetoed a bill that sought to ban high school transgender athletes from participating in sports teams that correspond with their gender identity. The bill, passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature, faced staunch opposition from Evers, who fulfilled his promise to reject it.
Evers, surrounded by Democratic lawmakers, transgender advocates, and other supporters, vetoed the bill at the Capitol. The Governor emphasized that such legislation could have detrimental effects on the mental health of LGBTQ individuals and children, as well as foster anti-LGBTQ hostility and threats.
The veto by Evers signifies a victory for LGBTQ rights advocacy in Wisconsin. Republican supporters of the bill were unable to garner enough votes to override the Governor’s decision. However, Rep. Barb Dittrich, the bill’s sponsor, expressed her disappointment in Evers’ veto, accusing him of promoting a misogynistic stance.
The proposed legislation aimed to enforce restrictions on high school athletes, mandating them to compete on teams based on the gender assigned at birth. Supporters of the bill argued that it aimed to ensure fairness for non-transgender athletes. Conversely, opponents viewed the bill as discriminatory and harmful to transgender youth, highlighting the lack of evidence suggesting any issues with transgender athletes in Wisconsin.
In contrast to the bill’s proposal, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association’s guidelines require transgender athletes to undergo hormone therapy before competing on their chosen teams. This policy aligns with NCAA regulations for transgender athletes. Notably, other states have implemented similar bans on transgender athletes participating in K-12 and collegiate sports teams, although the Biden administration seeks to challenge these prohibitions under Title IX.
Governor Evers’ veto serves as a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and equality for LGBTQ individuals in Wisconsin. As the debate continues on the rights of transgender athletes, the decision reflects a broader conversation on gender equity and acceptance in the realm of high school athletics.