Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers vetoed a bill on Tuesday aimed at prohibiting high school transgender athletes from participating on teams consistent with their gender identity. This move was widely anticipated, given his prior stance on the issue.
Despite lacking the necessary votes to block its passage in the Legislature, Evers fulfilled his promise to veto the bill, surrounded by Democratic lawmakers, transgender advocates, Madison’s mayor, and others at the Capitol.
In his veto message, Evers emphasized that such legislation would negatively impact the mental health of LGBTQ individuals and youth, foster anti-LGBTQ harassment, bullying, and violence, and jeopardize the safety and dignity of LGBTQ Wisconsinites, particularly transgender youth.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (Credits: The National Desk)
He pledged to continue opposing policies that target LGBTQ individuals and families, emphasizing their right to feel safe, valued, and supported in their identity.
Reacting to the veto, Republican Representative Barb Dittrich, the bill’s sponsor, criticized Evers’ decision as “disgusting” and accused him of holding a “misogynistic and hateful position towards actual females.”
Dittrich asserted that the veto disrespected women and girls and undermined their hard-earned accomplishments, signaling a sharp division on the issue.
Wisconsin Governor (Credits: GMToday.com)
The bill sought to restrict high school athletes to teams aligned with the gender assigned to them at birth. Supporters argued that it was a matter of fairness for cisgender athletes.
At the same time, opponents contended that transgender youth in Wisconsin faced no important issues in high school sports and viewed the proposed ban as discriminatory and harmful.
Despite the bill’s rejection, the debate over transgender participation in sports will likely continue, reflecting broader societal discussions about inclusivity, fairness, and equality in athletics.
