In response to concerns raised by some parents during a recent bill hearing on Trans athletes, state representative Dave Considine controversially labeled such concerns “selfishness.” Here’s the whole story.
The New Bill
A recent move by the Wisconsin State Assembly, voting in favor of legislation to ban gender transition procedures for minors and prevent biological males from participating in girls’ and women’s sports, has raised concerns among critics.
The Concerns
During the hearing over the bill, Dave Considine took issue with parental concerns that their daughters might face disadvantages, such as missing out on scholarships or team placements due to competition from transgender athletes.
He characterized such concerns as “selfishness” and a focus on self-preservation.
Sounds Like Selfishness
Considine said, “Boy, that doesn’t sound like community. That sounds like selfishness. I am sorry to label it that way, but that sounds like what it is to me. ‘I am only worried about myself and not worried about building the team and having my school have a powerful team.’”
It’s Not Biological
“Since we’ve funded Title IX sports, the gap has consistently lessened between the best men and the best women, and that is across all sports. I’m not so sure it’s biological. It goes back to the money and the training,” he added.
The Vote
In response to the bill’s passage in the Wisconsin state assembly, the legislative proposals will now go to the state Senate for a vote, where Republicans currently hold the majority.
Decision to Veto
However, Governor Tony Evers, a Democrat, has publicly declared his intent to veto any bill related to trans children.
Message to LGBTQ Folks
Evers said, “My message to LGBTQ folks — especially our trans kids — is this: you are welcome, you are wanted, and you belong here, and I’ll veto any bill that makes Wisconsin a less welcoming, less inclusive, and less safe place for you to be who you are.”
The Uncertainty
This means that despite the legislative progress in Wisconsin’s state assembly, the path forward remains uncertain due to potential vetoes.
The Issue
The controversy surrounding trans athletes in women’s sports is not unique to Wisconsin.
This issue has garnered nationwide attention and led to various groups’ debates and concerns.
Online Users Expressed Their Views
Several Online users shared their thoughts on the incident.
One user wrote, “The parents live in reality, and everyone else is in Lala land.”
He Won’t Be Re-Elected
Another user added, “A representative is supposed to represent the will of their constituents. I’m pretty sure he won’t be re-elected.”
Imagine This
A third user commented, “Imagine parents standing up for their daughters, only a lib would have a problem with that.”
Form Their Own Sports Group
A fourth user wrote, “Let the trans form their own sports group – just like the handicapped do. This is disgusting to all women! They are NOT women.”
Contests Are Going to Be Rigged
A fifth user added, “I don’t care what he thinks. If the contests are going to be rigged so that biological women can never win then I will not watch the sports and I will not buy their products.”
The post Wisconsin Rep Faces Backlash for Calling Trans Athlete Concerns Selfish Amid Bill Debate first appeared on Pulse of Pride
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / lazyllama. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
