Today, legislators filed Senate File 51, legislation that would ban transgender women and girls from competing on the sports teams that match their gender identity and forbids their participation in high school and collegiate athletic activities.
The discriminatory legislation is a distraction from the real priorities – including finalizing the once-in-a decade redistricting plan and spending American Rescue Plan Act funds from the Federal government – that Wyoming legislators must attack during the fast-paced, four-week budget session that starts on Feb. 14. Far-reaching legislations like this should not be brought forward under these circumstances.
The ACLU of Wyoming and Wyoming Equality opposes Senate File 51, a legislative attack on transgender women and girls that violates both the United States Constitution and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act, which protects all students – including those who are transgender – from discrimination based on sex.
“Title IX protects all students – including students who are transgender – from discrimination based on sex,” said Antonio Serrano, ACLU of Wyoming advocacy director. “Senate File 51 is clearly fueled by a fear and misunderstanding of transgender people in our state. In Wyoming and around the country, transgender people of all ages have been participating in sports consistent with their gender identity for years. Inclusive teams that support all athletes and encourage participation should be the standard for all school sports. Wyoming legislators should not consider this bill this year.”
The bill is intended to inflame a political reaction, not protect fairness in women’s sports.
“Wyoming students learn a lot of important life lessons in sports: leadership, confidence, self-respect, and what it means to be part of a team,” said Sara Burlingame, Wyoming Equality executive director. “Transgender kids, like other students, deserve the same chances to learn teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership and self-discipline, and to build a sense of belonging with their peers. When legislators in Cheyenne tell transgender girls that they can’t play girls’ sports, they miss out on this important childhood experience and all the lessons it teaches. We can do better than this. Local schools have found solutions that works for kids, parents and staff. Let’s continue that thoughtful process rather than traumatizing vulnerable children. The Wyoming legislature is headed into a brief, 20-day budget session for the express purpose of balancing the state budget. This harmful bill has no place here.”
The ACLU of Wyoming and Wyoming Equality are asking the Senate not to introduce Senate File 51 this year.
About the ACLU of Wyoming
The American Civil Liberties Union of Wyoming is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of civil liberties and civil rights. The ACLU of Wyoming is part of a three-state chapter that also includes North Dakota and South Dakota. The team in Wyoming is supported by staff in those states.
The ACLU believes freedoms of press, speech, assembly, and religion, and the rights to due process, equal protection and privacy, are fundamental to a free people. In addition, the ACLU seeks to advance constitutional protections for groups traditionally denied their rights, including people of color, women, and the LGBTQ communities. The ACLU of Wyoming carries out its work through selective litigation, lobbying at the state and local level, and through public education and awareness of what the Bill of Rights means for the people of Wyoming.
About Wyoming Equality
Wyoming Equality is the state’s only statewide LGBTQ civil rights organization. We strive to achieve equity for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, and queer Wyomingites by building broad and inclusive communities, shifting the hearts and minds of our neighbors, and achieving policy victories.
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