In a significant move, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has vetoed a bill passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature that aimed to bar high school transgender athletes from participating in teams according to their gender identity. The governor, who had previously promised to veto the bill, followed through on his stance, frustrating Republicans who supported the measure.

Surrounded by Democratic lawmakers, transgender advocates, the mayor of Madison, and others, Governor Evers cited numerous reasons for his veto. In his message, he stated that the proposed legislation would harm the mental health of LGBTQ individuals, encourage harassment and bullying, and threaten the safety and dignity of LGBTQ Wisconsinites, particularly transgender youth.

Governor Evers pledged to protect LGBTQ individuals from what he referred to as "radical policies," emphasizing his commitment to ensuring their safety, value, support, and acceptance. However, the governor's decision was met with strong opposition from Republican Representative Barb Dittrich, who sponsored the bill. Dittrich criticized Evers, calling his veto "disgusting" and accusing him of holding a "misogynistic and hateful position towards actual females."

The bill sought to restrict high school athletes to competing on teams that corresponded with their assigned gender at birth. Supporters of the bill argued that it was a matter of fairness for non-transgender athletes. However, opponents of the proposed ban contended that there was no real issue with transgender high school athletes in Wisconsin and asserted that such a ban would amount to discrimination and be detrimental to transgender youth.

Currently, the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association requires transgender athletes to undergo hormone therapy before being allowed to participate in the teams of their choice. This policy aligns with the requirements set by the NCAA for transgender athletes.

While at least 20 other states have implemented or proposed blanket bans on transgender athletes participating in K-12 and collegiate sports teams, the Biden administration is set to finalize a proposal to forbid such outright bans. This rule, which has faced delays and pushback, would establish that blanket bans on transgender athletes violate Title IX, the landmark gender-equity legislation enacted in 1972.