Wisconsin Senate Bill SB474

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/29/23
• Refer: 9/29/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, insurance coverage, national guard, jury duty, and adoption and in the receipt of mental health or vocational rehabilitation services.

Impact

If enacted, SB474 is poised to significantly impact state laws by enhancing protections against various forms of discrimination that are not currently recognized. Besides prohibiting private sector employers and educational institutions from discriminating against employees or students based on gender identity or expression, the bill also prohibits insurers and public places of accommodation from engaging in discriminatory practices. This legislative change is seen as a major step forward in ensuring equality for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.

Summary

Senate Bill 474 seeks to amend the existing discrimination laws in Wisconsin to expressly prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression. This bill broadens the scope of current discrimination protections regarding employment, housing, public accommodations, and education. Under this bill, individuals are afforded the right to access facilities consistent with their gender identity, regardless of their sex assigned at birth or the gender identifiers printed on official documents.

Contention

Despite its broad support, the bill has faced opposition from various groups. Critics argue that it could infringe upon the rights of individuals or organizations that wish to express beliefs not aligned with the recognition of gender identities beyond the binary. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the potential impact on facilities that cater specifically to individuals based on sex, including concerns regarding privacy and safety in areas such as public restrooms and locker rooms. Proponents of the bill maintain, however, that ensuring equal access is paramount and that the bill serves to protect vulnerable populations from discrimination.