Condemn three anti-trans bills passed on partisan lines Thursday in Assembly.

Madison – Today, three anti-trans bills (AB 377, AB 378, & AB 465) were brought to the floor for a vote. While all three bills passed on partisan lines, Governor Evers has vowed to veto these extremely harmful and discriminatory pieces of legislation. Representative Ratcliff delivered her first floor speech in the State Assembly with remarks on AB 465 relating to: prohibiting gender transition medical intervention for individuals under 18 years of age.

The Transgender Parent and Non-Binary Advocacy Caucus (TPANAC) remains consistent on their outspoken condemnation of these pieces of legislation. Co-chair of Transgender Parent and Non-Binary Advocacy Caucus, Melissa Ratcliff (D-Cottage Grove), released the following statement in response to the actions taken on the floor today:

“When I decided to run for Assembly, I did so with the goal of making the lives of the people in my district and across our state better. This legislation does the opposite of that. It criminalizes and further marginalizes an already vulnerable community, offering betterment to absolutely no one. Every child in our state deserves the opportunity to be their best selves. Passing this legislation crushes that ability. The introduction of this legislation alone is reprehensible and disgusting. I condemn, in the strongest way possible, this legislation. To our trans and non-binary communities; you are heard, you are loved, and you belong. We will never stop fighting for you.”

Co-Chair of the Transgender Parent and Non-Binary Advocacy Caucus, Ryan Clancy (D-Milwaukee), released the following statement:

“When my child came out to me as trans, as parents, my wife and I went through many emotions; pride and happiness but also uncertainty and fear. I was happy and proud of my son when he came out as trans and I was extremely fearful of how a small but loud segment of our society would react to my child being himself. I am so grateful that today, my son is a fully realized and wonderful adult. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that every child in Wisconsin has the ability to thrive.”