Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, has stirred controversy by vetoing a GOP-led measure aimed at preventing transgender students from participating in school sports teams that do not align with their biological sex. The bill, known as Assembly Bill 377, had passed through both chambers of the state's GOP-controlled legislature earlier this year.
In his letter to state lawmakers, Evers stated that the bill did not align with Wisconsin values and objected to codifying discrimination into state statute. He criticized the legislation for perpetuating hateful and discriminatory rhetoric against LGBTQ Wisconsinites, particularly transgender and gender nonconforming youth.
Evers emphasized that such measures could have negative impacts on the mental health of LGBTQ individuals, fuel anti-LGBTQ harassment, bullying, and violence, and jeopardize the safety and dignity of LGBTQ Wisconsinites, especially children.
The vetoed bill would have prohibited male students from participating in female-designated sports teams. Evers pledged to veto any legislation that would make Wisconsin less safe, less inclusive, and less welcoming for LGBTQ individuals and children.
Following his decision to reject the bill, Evers shared his stance on social media, drawing both support and criticism from various individuals. Some critics accused him of hating women and failing to protect girls' opportunities in sports.
Evers also argued that the bill disregarded a 2015 policy by the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association governing the eligibility of transgender high school athletes. This policy does not bar biological males from playing on female-designated teams but requires transgender females to undergo a year of hormone therapy before participating.
The governor highlighted potential conflicts with federal law, citing the Education Department's 2021 interpretation of Title IX, which includes protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Prior to Evers' veto, the bill had passed the state assembly and senate along party lines. The measure faced criticism and support from various quarters, reflecting the ongoing debate over transgender rights and inclusion in school sports.
