MADISON–The Assembly voted today on three anti-trans bills. At the conclusion of session, State Representatives Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) released the following statement on Assembly Bill 465, a bill that outlaws gender-affirming care for youth:
“Wisconsin kids, and their families, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We should be here affirming human dignity, but we are not. We should be here respecting Wisconsin families, and the healthcare decisions they’re making alongside their doctors–the experts, but we are not.
“This is a politically motivated bill, and came from a Colorado Springs-based rightwing group trying to win the 2024 presidential election, not a Wisconsin legislator, not even a Wisconsinite. This group’s goal nationwide is to win elections by attacking healthcare rights–to use women and pregnant people and the LGBTQ+ community as political footballs, and this time–those footballs are kids.
“Every major medical and mental health organization supports access to gender affirming support and care for transgender young people and adults. The people of Wisconsin trust pediatricians–not politicians–with their healthcare. And we know that the mere introduction of this bill causes very serious mental health concerns for the LGBTQ+ community–the mere introduction of this bill hurts people.
“To my Republican colleagues, the political ambition of your own party isn’t something you should be willing to put above the health and safety of your state’s kids.
“To the LGBTQ+ community, thank you for sharing your voices, for being here during the public hearing, and for being who you are. We heard you. We stand with you–you are loved and valued. I will remain here fighting alongside you to ensure we move Wisconsin forward, together.”
Rep. Vining represents the 14th Assembly District, which includes parts of Wauwatosa and West Allis. For more information, visit Rep. Vining’s website here.
