MADISON, WI — The Wisconsin Transgender Parent and Nonbinary Advocacy Caucus strongly criticizes the most recent discriminatory legislative action that would deny transgender and nonbinary individuals the right to amend the sex designation on their birth certificates.
The Wisconsin bill is similar to a rash of similar proposals in States controlled by extreme Republicans. Such restrictions not only erase the identities of countless Wisconsinites but also endanger the safety, privacy, and dignity of transgender and nonbinary people—especially parents raising families in our state.
The Caucus asserts that these laws are rooted in discrimination and a fundamental misunderstanding of gender diversity. They impose unnecessary and harmful barriers on those who already face disproportionate challenges, including trans youth, LGBTQ+ parents, and nonbinary people whose identities are not legally recognized in many public systems.
In response to this latest attack on transgender people and the LGBTQIA+ community, the co-chairs of The Wisconsin Transgender Parent and Nonbinary Advocacy Caucus (TPANAC) issued the following statements:
“The sheer cruelty and prejudice of this latest extreme Republican attack on Transgender people and the LGBTQIA+ community is breathtaking. This proposal is possibly unconstitutional, absolutely hateful, and 100% unnecessary,” stated Senator Melissa Ratcliff (D-Cottage Grove). “You need legal documentation like a birth certificate to get a job, enroll in school, access health care. Making laws to prevent transgender people from modifying their birth certificate to reflect their gender identify is a pathetic attempt to disenfranchise them, punish them, and further marginalize them.”
“All Wisconsinites deserve equal treatment under the law,” stated Representative Ryan Clancy (D-Milwaukee). “It is disappointing, but not unexpected, that extremists in the legislature choose to copy-cat some of the worst anti-trans bills being introduced in other States. At a time when we have real problems to tackle – a crisis in child care, criminal justice reform, access to mental health services – it is mind-boggling that this is what Republicans spend time on. Once again, extremists in the Wisconsin legislature are choosing to govern by fear and bigotry.”
The Wisconsin Transgender Parent and Nonbinary Advocacy Caucus will continue to advocate for inclusive, affirming policies and stands in solidarity with transgender people, their families, and allies.
