Wisconsin governor defiantly vetoes bill that would make state ‘less safe’ for LGBTQ+ people
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Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has taken a bold stand by vetoing Assembly Bill 377, a piece of legislation that would have prohibited transgender and non-binary students from competing in sports teams consistent with their gender identity. The bill, sponsored by five senators and 32 house representatives, all Republicans, aimed to force these students to compete in teams based on the sex they were assigned at birth.
In an open letter released on Tuesday, Governor Evers explained his decision to veto the bill, citing multiple reasons why it conflicted with existing anti-discrimination laws and could potentially undermine federal legislation. He highlighted the US Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock v Clayton County in 2020, which determined that discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation is a violation of the Civil Rights Act.
Furthermore, Governor Evers pointed out that the bill disregarded a policy established by the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association in 2015, which grants schools the authority to determine the sports in which a student may participate. By vetoing Assembly Bill 377, he emphasized his commitment to upholding Wisconsin’s values of kindness, respect, empathy, and compassion, especially when it comes to how children are treated and supported.
This decision reflects Governor Evers’ previous statements regarding his stance on legislation that may negatively impact LGBTQ+ individuals in Wisconsin. Last October, he made it clear that he would veto any bill that made the state “less safe, less inclusive, and less welcoming” for LGBTQ+ people and children. By standing firm against Assembly Bill 377, Governor Evers has demonstrated his dedication to creating a more inclusive and accepting environment for all residents of Wisconsin.
Despite the bill receiving support from Republican lawmakers and passing its final senate vote with a margin of 21-11, Governor Evers’ veto sends a strong message about the importance of considering the well-being and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in the state. He urged the Republican majority to reflect on the potential harm that such legislation could cause to young people before introducing similar bills in the future.
The veto of Assembly Bill 377 marks a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights in Wisconsin and sets a precedent for other states to prioritize inclusivity and equality in their legislative decisions. Governor Evers’ unwavering commitment to supporting transgender and non-binary students in their right to compete in sports teams aligned with their gender identity is a testament to his dedication to upholding the values of respect and fairness for all individuals in the state.
In conclusion, Governor Tony Evers’ veto of Assembly Bill 377 represents a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in Wisconsin. By standing up against discriminatory legislation and advocating for the rights of transgender and non-binary students, Governor Evers has shown leadership and courage in promoting equality and acceptance for all residents of the state.
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Wisconsin governor Tony Evers
