October 13, 2023 – Washington Co., WI – State Representative Ty Bodden (R-Stockbridge) issued the following statement regarding his support for legislation ensuring Wisconsin college sports and athletic teams are based on the birth gender of the participants as well as prohibiting gender transition medical intervention for individuals under the age of 18:
“Our duty is to protect the integrity of women’s sports and ensure the well-being of our youth. We must preserve fair competition by prohibiting men from competing in women’s sports and also safeguard the health and decision-making capabilities of minors by prohibiting sex changes. It’s about upholding values, safeguarding our society, and defending the principles we hold dear.”
Under this legislation, a separate category would be created to allow athletic competition that would be coed or permit participants of any sex the opportunity to compete together.
A similar piece of legislation was also passed on the Assembly floor today for K-12 level sports. This legislation would ensure that athletes competing in interscholastic, intramural, or club athletic teams or sports operated or sponsored by a school board, independent charter school, or private school participating in a parental choice program are solely competing in one of three categories in accordance with their respective sex, as determined by a physician at birth and reflected on the birth certificate. This legislation also requires parental involvement. Parents must be notified if team designations are changing from single-sex to coed.
Legislation also passed the Assembly today that would make it illegal for minors to have gender surgery. The legislation prohibits gender transition medical intervention for those under 18 years of age. Specifically, the prohibits healthcare providers from engaging in or making a referral for puberty suppressants, cross-sex hormones, or surgery to change the minor’s body to reflect a different biological sex. Any healthcare provider who violates the law would have their license suspended.
“The bills passed today are common sense. I am happy to stand with the strong majority of Wisconsinites and the people of the 59th on both sides of the aisle who believe women should not have to unfairly compete against men in women’s sports and that minors should not be making decisions that alter their lives forever.”
Rep. Bodden also proudly voted for a resolution condemning the Hamas terrorist attacks and proclaiming that Wisconsin stands united with the people of Israel.
The 59th Assembly District includes portions of Calumet, Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and Washington Counties including the communities of Stockbridge, New Holstein, Mount Calvary, St. Cloud, Taycheedah, Campbellsport, Kewaskum, Allenton and Hartford.
