Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Legislation Targeting Trans Kids

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) vetoed legislation intended to target trans kids earlier this month. Had it passed, the law would have banned gender-affirming care for all LGBTQ youth in the state.

Evers, who has served as the governor of Wisconsin since 2019, is a staunch advocate for transgender rights. A few months ago, Republicans in the Wisconsin State Assembly attempted to pass several bills which would limit trans student athletes from competing in line with their gender identities. Evers showed up to the Assembly to stand in solidarity with trans youth, pledging to veto any anti-trans law that made it to his desk. Speaking to those who came to testify against the bills, he said, “I know you’re here because you’re pissed off and you want to stop it. And you will stop it, and I’ll help you stop it. I’m with you.”

Attacks on trans rights have exponentially increased in the past couple of years, and many conservative politicians have built their caucuses around the destruction of “dangerous trans ideologies.” Gender-affirming care lies consistently at the center of anti-trans legislation, threatening the health and safety of thousands of transgender people, both youth and adults.

However, people like Evers are evidence that all is not lost. Wisconsin was one of several states to recently offer refuge to transgender people fleeing their homes. And in his signed veto statement, Evers makes clear his belief that “gender-affirming care saves lives.” He goes on to say, “Further, and especially important to me personally, I am vetoing this bill in its entirety because I object to the Legislature’s ongoing efforts to manufacture and perpetuate false, hateful, and discriminatory anti-LGBTQ policies and rhetoric in our state … I will veto any bill that makes Wisconsin a less safe, less inclusive, and less welcoming place for LGBTQ people and kids.”

Photo courtesy of @Fair_Wisconsin on X