WI Gov. Evers Vetos Bill Banning 'Gender-Affirming Care​' For Children

MADISON, WI — Gov. Tony Evers on Wednesday vetoed a Republican-backed bill that would have banned "gender-affirming care" for children with gender dysphoria.

"I am vetoing this bill in its entirety because I object to restricting physicians from providing evidence-based and medically appropriate care to their patients, restricting parents from making decisions with physicians to ensure their kids receive the healthcare they need, and preventing patients from receiving that basic, lifesaving care," Evers said in a statement.

"Healthcare providers should be trusted to provide medically appropriate and accurate information, treatment, and care for their patients without the unnecessary political interference of politicians"

Assembly Bill 465 would have prohibited Wisconsin children from being prescribed puberty blockers, doses of testosterone or estrogen, and certain surgeries "for the purpose of changing the minor’s body to correspond to a sex that is discordant with the minor’s biological sex."

"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," Evers continued.

"This type of legislation, and the rhetoric beget by pursuing it, harms LGBTQ people and kids’ mental health, emboldens anti-LGBTQ hate and violence, and threatens the safety and dignity of LGBTQ Wisconsinites. I will veto any bill that makes Wisconsin a less safe, less inclusive, and less welcoming place for LGBTQ people and kids. I support LGBTQ Wisconsinites, and I will continue to do everything in my power to defend them, protect their rights, and keep them safe."

In response, Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Robin Vos — a Republican and author of the bill — released a statement saying that "Evers made another harmful mistake. Such a life-altering decision should be made when you're an adult, not a child. Many countries, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, do not allow for gender transition surgery before the age of 18."

Twenty-two states since 2021 have enacted similar bills restricting medical procedures for transgender children, including Indiana, Alabama, Montana, and Florida, according to the Movement Advancement Project.