MADISON – Today, Republican legislators introduced legislation that further demonizes trans individuals in the State of Wisconsin. Senate Democratic Leader Melissa Agard (D-Madison) released the following statement:

“For years, Republicans have attacked transgender and non-binary individuals to score cheap political points with their extreme base. The anti-trans sports ban proposed by my Republican colleagues does not rely on facts, but rather misinformation and scare tactics.

“We know that mental health concerns among youth are on the rise, and we know that our LGBTQ+ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Despite this, my Republican colleagues are choosing to legislate hate and discriminate against our trans kids who just want to live and grow as their true selves.

“Organizations like the International Olympic Committee, USA Gymnastics, the National Women’s Hockey League, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have enacted gender inclusive policies and allowed transgender athletes to compete with their peers. There is simply no good reason to further isolate an already vulnerable group as my Republican colleagues have chosen to do today.

“Let the kids play.