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Legislators Clash Over Transgender Sports Rules
Wisconsin lawmakers are once again trying to set the rules for boys in girls’ sports, and set the rules for who gets to know if kids are changing their gender at school. But there is plenty of opposition.
The Assembly Committee on Education on Thursday held a hearing on two pieces of legislation that would do both.
State Rep. Barb Dittrich, R-Oconomowoc, said parents need to know if their kids are transitioning at school.
“You know, in our schools we don’t allow our kids to take a Tylenol without permission from parents,” Dittrich told lawmakers. “We don’t allow them to go on a field trip without permission from parents. We don’t allow their pictures to be shared without permission from parents. A major life choice, and transitioning and changing your name is a major life choice, is something parents should be involved in.”
But a number of LGBTQ groups and Democratic lawmakers pushed back against the idea.
“This bill is aimed at making it harder for transgender and nonbinary youth to have their names and pronouns updated, even after they’ve taken the time to go to court, even if they have a supportive parent who has been with them through that process,” Sen. Mark Spreitzer, D-Beloit, said. “But to also be clear, not all parents are supportive.”
There’s also a plan that would permanently ban biological boys from playing on girls’ sports teams in the state.
President Trump issued an executive order that would ban boys from girls’ sports, but supporters say a state law would be more lasting.
Neither plan will become law. Governor Evers has vetoed similar proposals in the past, vowing to “veto any bill that makes Wisconsin a less safe, less inclusive, and less welcoming place for LGBTQ people and kids.”
The governor is expected to do the same with these two this year.
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