Wisconsin governor blocks bill banning transgender athletes in schools

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers on Tuesday (Apr 2) vetoed a bill that if passed would have banned high school transgender athletes from competing on teams that align with their gender identity.

Reaffirming commitment

In his veto message, Evers reaffirmed his commitment to protest any legislation "that makes Wisconsin a less safe, less inclusive, and less welcoming place for LGBTQ people and kids."

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Evers said that such legislation harms "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 call veto "disgusting"

Despite Evers' steadfast opposition to the bill since it was introduced, the Republican-controlled Legislature in Wisconsin had managed to pass it as Democrats lacked the votes to stop its passage. 

Nonetheless, the governor's veto has become a formidable obstacle, and Republicans lack the necessary votes to override it.

Condemning Evers' decision, Republican Representative Barb Dittrich, who sponsored the bill, called the veto "disgusting" and accused him of holding a "misogynistic and hateful position towards actual females." 

He argued that the veto disregarded the achievements.

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"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.

Restrictions the bill would have imposed

The proposed bill sought to restrict high school athletes to teams that only corresponded with the gender assigned to them at birth. 

Supporters of the bill argued it was necessary for fairness among non-transgender athletes. However, opponents contend that the bill perpetuated discrimination and was harmful to transgender youth.

Notably, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association already requires transgender athletes to undergo hormone therapy before participating in sports, aligning with NCAA guidelines.

Across the United States, at least 20 states have approved their versions of a blanket ban on transgender athletes playing on K-12 and collegiate sports teams statewide. To counter such bans, the Biden administration is finalising a proposal that seeks to invalidate such bans, citing violations of Title IX, a landmark gender-equity legislation.

(With inputs from agencies)