WI Gov. Evers Vetoes GOP-Backed Transgender Athletics Restrictions

MADISON, WI — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a Republican-backed bill Tuesday that would have restricted which teams transgender high school athletes could compete on.

"I just vetoed Republicans’ anti-LGBTQ bill to ban trans and gender nonconforming kids from participating in school sports teams that align with their gender identity," Evers said in a statement.

"LGBTQ kids deserve our love and respect and support just like any other kid."

State Democrats did not have enough votes to stop its passage in the Republican-controlled Legislature, but Evers has promised to veto the bill since it was introduced.

Republicans, who do not have the votes needed to override the veto, argued it's a matter of fairness for non-transgender athletes.

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association requires transgender athletes to undergo hormone therapy before they can play on the teams of their choice, which is similar to NCAA requirements for transgender athletes.

Twenty other states have bills restricting which youth teams transgender athletes can play on.

A Biden administration proposal would forbid such bans, claiming they violate Title IX.

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.