Wisconsin governor vetoes bill aimed at preventing biological males from joining girls sports teams

In a controversial move, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a bill on Tuesday that would have prohibited student athletes from competing on sports teams that do not align with their assigned gender at birth. The bill, AB 377, sponsored by Republican state lawmakers, aimed to restrict males from participating on female-designated teams.

Governor Evers defended his decision, stating that the measure was harmful to the LGBTQ community. In a tweet, he expressed his support for transgender and gender nonconforming kids, emphasizing that they deserve love, respect, and support like any other child.

The veto sparked mixed reactions, with women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines criticizing the decision and urging Wisconsin residents to contact their legislators. On the other hand, President of the Wisconsin Institute of Law and Liberty, Rick Esenberg, argued that the bill was not targeting gay or lesbian kids but rather addressing the issue of biological boys competing on girls’ teams.

This veto comes in the wake of a similar bill on the federal level that stirred emotions in a congressional hearing, with Rep. Pramila Jayapal becoming emotional while discussing the impact on her transgender daughter.

The decision by Gov. Evers has reignited the debate on transgender rights and equality in sports. Stay updated on the latest national news by following Jackson Walker on Twitter at @_jlwalker_. If you have a news tip, send it to jacwalker@sbgtv.com.