Wyoming bans transgender students from UW, community college sports
Gov. Mark Gordon signed the ban into law Thursday, two years after he called a related high school sports ban “draconian.”
Transgender students attending the University of Wyoming will no longer be able to play on sports teams consistent with their gender identity.
The state’s existing ban on transgender women and girls competing on high school sports teams was extended to collegiate athletics when Gov. Mark Gordon signed Senate File 44 into law Thursday.
Just two years ago, Gordon called that high school ban “draconian” even as he allowed it to pass into law without his signature.
Gordon did not release a statement about this year’s extension, instead announcing he was signing it into law alongside seven other bills in a press release issued after 5 p.m. Thursday.
Wyoming Equality Communications Coordinator Santi Murillo, who testified against the bill when it appeared in committee, told the Reporter the new law will deprive future generations of the positive experiences she had as a transgender UW athlete.
“I know firsthand what it’s like to be in their shoes, and to just want to feel included and feel like they’re a part of something,” Murillo said. “[The sports ban] means that they are missing out on a crucial part of growing up. They’re not going to be able to learn the life lessons that being part of a team teaches you, and having a coach, a mentor, somebody who genuinely cares about you.”
The new law also forbids UW or the community colleges from playing against any other college that allows transgender athletes.
The law goes into effect July 1.
This is a developing story.
Thanks for great reporting!
The hate and lack of freedom the “Freedom Caucus” has dumped on ALL of the citizens of Wyoming IS draconian, Gov. Gordon. You were right the first time.