Governor marched to legislature to tell trans rights activists that he’ll veto every anti-trans bill

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) made a dramatic and unusual appearance at the state legislature to testify against proposed anti-trans bills pushed by Republicans.

So many opponents showed up to testify against the bill that some had to stay in overflow rooms. Evers marched into one of the rooms and vowed to veto any bills that managed to pass.

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“You’ve got my support on all of these. We’re gonna veto every single one of them,” he said. “The only way we can do that is to continue to be strong just like everyone in this room.”

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“I’m just here to thank you. I know you’re here because you’re pissed off and you want to stop it. And you will stop it, and I’ll help you stop it. I’m with you.”

Republicans are rallying around three bills this year that discriminate against transgender youth. One would prohibit them from accessing gender-affirming care and punish doctors who provide it. The other two would prohibit trans youth from participating on sports teams that match their gender identity in both K-12 and college.

Over 10,000 pages of testimony was submitted opposing the proposed laws. Representatives from most of the state’s major hospitals, the American Pediatric Association, and the American Medical Association attended the hearing. Some submitted testimony against the bill.

Every major American medical association opposes restrictions on gender-affirming care. Representatives from the groups have testified in state legislatures around the nation and spoken out publicly in support.