Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers Vetoes Bill Banning Transgender Athletes from High School Teams

In a bold move that has sparked controversy and debate, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a bill passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature that aimed to ban high school transgender athletes from competing on teams that align with their gender identity.

Evers, who had promised to veto the bill from the moment it was introduced, stood firm in his decision, surrounded by Democratic lawmakers, transgender advocates, and other supporters. Despite lacking the votes to stop the bill’s passage in the Legislature, Evers made it clear that he would not allow “radical policies targeting LGBTQ individuals and families” under his watch.

The bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Barb Dittrich, sought to restrict high school athletes to playing on teams based on the gender they were assigned at birth. Supporters argued it was a matter of fairness for non-transgender athletes, while opponents viewed it as discriminatory and harmful to transgender youth.

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association already has a policy in place that requires transgender athletes to undergo hormone therapy before participating on the teams of their choice, following NCAA guidelines.

This decision comes amidst a national debate on transgender athletes in sports, with at least 20 states implementing bans on transgender athletes playing on K-12 and collegiate teams. However, a Biden administration proposal aims to challenge these bans, asserting that they violate Title IX, a landmark gender-equity legislation.

Evers’ veto has drawn both praise and criticism, with supporters applauding his commitment to LGBTQ rights and opponents accusing him of disrespecting women and girls. The debate on transgender athletes in sports is far from over, but for now, Wisconsin remains a state where transgender athletes can compete based on their gender identity.