Wisconsin lawmakers unleash flurry of pro-LGBTQ+ legislation
'All Wisconsin citizens deserve equal rights and opportunities under the law and these bills make meaningful steps toward making that a reality.'
Just in time for Pride Month, Wisconsin Democratic lawmakers introduced The Equality Agenda, a package of legislation aimed at improving equality and safety for the LGBTQ+ community.
“I’m proud to have co-authored this legislation, but I find it frustrating that the LGBTQ+ community continues to have to fight for the same rights that everyone else takes for granted,” Sen. Kris Dassler-Alfheim said in a statement. “This country is founded on the principle that we are all created equal. This package ensures that Wisconsin’s constitution and statutes reflect that.”
The Equality Agenda includes two joint resolutions. One designates June 2025 as Pride Month. The other removes marriage restrictions from Wisconsin’s constitution.
LRB-3041/1 - This joint resolution recognizes June 2025 as LGBTQ Pride Month in Wisconsin. June is historically celebrated as LGBTQ Pride Month in commemoration of the Stonewall Uprising, which occurred on June 28, 1969. Recognizing Pride Month fosters an atmosphere of inclusion, acceptance, and celebration in our state. The resolution acknowledges the advancements made towards equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, and the work that remains to be done.
LRB 2031 - This constitutional amendment, proposed to the 2025 legislature on first consideration, eliminates the constitutional restriction that only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in this state. A proposed constitutional amendment requires adoption by two successive legislatures and ratification by the people before it can take effect.
In addition to the two resolutions, the Democratic Legislators introduced four draft bills that provide equity and protections for the LGBTQ+ community.
LRB 3040/1 - Prohibits “conversion therapy” aimed at changing a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity and subjecting licensed professionals who practice it to professional discipline.
LRB 3124/1 - Eliminates the use of a “gay or trans panic” as a defense by persons accused of crimes.
LRB-1684 - Provides grants to school boards to provide training in LGBTQIA+ rights to school counselors and school social workers.
LRB 0842 - Makes technical updates to various Wisconsin laws about married couples, including laws on adoption and on in vitro fertilization, to ensure they apply to same-sex couples.
“More than ever, we must take steps to ensure equal rights and protections under the law for our Wisconsin LGBTQ+ community and their families,” said Rep. Lee Snodgrass. “As we have seen basic rights and freedoms threatened or denied at the federal level, it is important that Wisconsin take our own legislative steps to make sure that every resident of Wisconsin can live authentically as themselves without threat to their marriage, parentage, mental health or safety. All Wisconsin citizens deserve equal rights and opportunities under the law and these bills make meaningful steps toward making that a reality.”
Pride Month, celebrated every June, commemorates the Stonewall Riots in New York City, which began on June 28, 1969, and sparked the modern gay rights movement. The first Pride marches, held in June 1970, marked the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. Over time, these events evolved into a month-long celebration of the LGBTQ+ community.
Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order 264, ordering that the Progress Pride Flag be raised over the Wisconsin State Capitol during June in celebration of Pride Month.
Below is a list of area-Pride events:
Pride in the Sanctuary: Sunday, June 8, 2:30 pm at First Congregational UCC. Join guest speaker Rev. Hannah Roberts Villnave and the Perfect Harmony LGBTQIA+ Choir of Madison for Pride in the Sanctuary: A Celebration in Word, Song, & Fellowship! This event is co-sponsored by First Congregational UCC, Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Memorial Presbyterian Church, Emmanuel United Methodist Church, and St. James United Methodist Church
Pride Luncheon: Wednesday, June 18, 11:30 -1:00 at Riverview Gardens. Sponsored by the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
Pride Promenade: Saturday, June 21, 11:15-12:45, starting at the History Museum at the Castle and ending at Houdini Plaza. The Farmers Market and other events are occurring on College Avenue at the same time. Details and guidelines are posted on the Fox Valley Pride Facebook page.
FOX VALLEY PRIDE 2025: Saturday, June 21, 1:00-8:00 pm at Jones Park. A variety of artists, performers, and vendors will be on hand. The Main Stage opener is WAMI-nominated Michael Grabner, a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist. The After-Party is at McFleshman’s Brewing. The most current information can be found on their Facebook page. The Rain Date for the event is June 28.
