Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon (R) refused to sign a bill banning biological males from competing in girls’ school sports.
Gordon called an outright ban “draconian” and “discriminatory.”
Despite the governor’s refusal to sign the legislation, he chose not to veto the bill.
Thus, the bill still becomes law.
Gordon’s comments without vetoing the legislation are more of a statement than anything else.
According to Cowboy State Daily, a statement from Gordon’s office read:
“While he supports and agrees with the overall goal of fairness in competitive female sports, the governor believes the ban is overly draconian, is discriminatory without attention to individual circumstances or mitigating factors and pays little attention to the fundamental principles of equality.”
Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon on Friday said banning biological males from competing in girls school sports is "draconian" and "discriminatory," but allowed the bill to go into law without signing it. https://t.co/ixa21Gs3XR
— Cowboy State Daily (@daily_cowboy) March 18, 2023
Gov. Mark Gordon allowed a ban on tran girls in middle and high school sports to become law late Friday night, joining a growing number of states limiting transgender students in athletic competition. https://t.co/2VEdrbPAiu
— Jackson Hole News&Guide (@JacksonHoleNews) March 18, 2023
From Cowboy State Daily:
SF 133 bans biological males from participating in school sports in grades seven through 12.
Gordon said he believes the bill’s intent is “well-meaning as a way to protect the integrity and fairness of women’s sports in our state,” but that an outright ban “sends a harmful message that these individuals and their families do not deserve the same opportunities as others.”
The law is effective July 1 and therefore will not impact students until the next school year.
Gordon’s statement says he has committed to work with Megan Degenfelder, Wyoming superintendent of Public Instruction, to ensure that there’s clear guidance for how transgender students can “have some means to participate safely in interscholastic activities after this law goes into effect, recognizing sadly that may mean these young people may not be able to compete in athletics.”
Meanwhile, In Court
Similar laws around the country are facing court challenges, as transgender people claim they violate their right to equal protection by government.
That’s why SF 133 contains an alternate provision that would become effective if a court were to block or overrule the ban. In that event, the Wyoming High School Activities Association would appoint an independent board to review transgender athlete appeals on a case-by-case basis.
Despite the governor’s statement, Wyoming joins the list of states to ban biological males from competing in girls’ school sports.
Bill Signed by Arkansas Governor Bans Transgender Athletes From Women’s Sports
Mississippi Governor Bans Transgenders From Participating In Female Sports
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