Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers vetoed a bill on Tuesday (April 2) that, if passed, would have prohibited high school transgender athletes from competing on teams that align with their gender identity.
“Such legislation negatively impacts LGBTQ Wisconsinites’ and kids’ mental health”
In his veto statement, Governor Evers restated his pledge to oppose any law that “makes Wisconsin a less safe, less inclusive, and less welcoming place for LGBTQ people and children.”
Evers stated that such legislation negatively impacts “LGBTQ Wisconsinites’ and kids’ mental health, emboldens anti-LGBTQ harassment, bullying, and violence, and threatens the safety and dignity of LGBTQ Wisconsinites, especially our LGBTQ kids.”
Republicans describe veto as “disgusting”
Despite Evers’ persistent opposition to the bill, the Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature was able to pass it because Democrats lacked the votes to stop it.
Nonetheless, the Governor’s veto has become a serious impediment, and Republicans lack the numbers to overturn it.
Republican Representative Barb Dittrich, who sponsored the bill, condemned Evers’ veto as “disgusting” and accused him of harboring a “misogynistic and hateful position towards actual females.”
“His veto today clearly demonstrates his disrespect for women and girls as well as for protecting their hard-fought achievements,” said Dittrich in a statement as reported by CBS News.
The law would have imposed restrictions
Supporters of the bill said that it was important to ensure fairness among non-transgender athletes. Opponents argue that the bill perpetuates discrimination and is damaging to transgender youth.
Notably, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association already mandates transgender players to undergo hormone therapy before participating in sports, which is consistent with NCAA requirements.
At least 20 states have established statewide bans on transgender athletes participating in K-12 and collegiate sports. To fight such bans, the Biden administration is finalizing a proposal that seeks to invalidate such bans, citing violations of Title IX, a landmark gender-equity legislation.