A bill that would prevent transgender students from participating in college sports in Wyoming has advanced in the state Senate, Wyoming Public Media reports.
Senate File 44 (SF 44), sponsored by Sen. Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, passed its third reading in the Senate on January 22 and is now moving to the House for further consideration.
The proposed law builds on a 2023 measure that barred transgender girls from competing in high school sports in Wyoming. Supporters of the bill argue it is necessary to maintain fairness in collegiate athletics, particularly in women’s sports.
“We want to make sure our women and young girls are not forced to compete against biological males, who might have physical advantages,” Patricia McCoy, chapter chair for Moms for Liberty of Laramie County, said during a January 17 Senate Education Committee meeting. “This bill protects the opportunities for women.”
However, opponents of the bill, such as Laramie resident Nyoka Erikson, expressed concerns about the exclusion of transgender women from college sports. Erikson, who has played on hockey teams with both men and trans women throughout her life, argued that the bill is not addressing more pressing issues faced by women athletes in Wyoming.
“Trans women belong in women’s sports,” Erikson said. “This is about more than sports — it’s a crucial part of my life, and I believe trans women should have the same opportunities.”
In addition to SF 44, lawmakers have introduced two other bills — HB 60 and HB 274 — which would extend the ban on transgender student-athletes from competing in all school levels, from kindergarten through college. HB 60 is set to be considered by the House Education Committee on January 24, while HB 274 will be heard by the House Labor Committee.
Wyoming’s sole US Representative, Harriet Hageman, has co-sponsored a similar bill in the US House, which passed earlier this month.
