Wait, really?!?
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recently introduced a proposal in his state budget that has sparked a fierce backlash from Republicans. The proposal calls for the replacement of the term “mother” with “inseminated person” in state law, part of a broader initiative to promote gender-neutral language in Wisconsin’s legal framework. This proposal, which covers the state’s fiscal years 2025 to 2027, also aims to replace “father” with “person” and “spouse” in certain legal contexts, according to reports from local media outlets.
Evers, a Democrat, insists the changes are necessary to ensure legal clarity for individuals undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, seeking to provide greater legal certainty. At a public event in Wausau, he defended the move, stating, “What we desire is a legal guarantee that mothers will get access to the care they need.” However, his critics—particularly Republicans—have labeled the proposal as an overreach of liberal ideology and “woke virtue signaling.” They argue that this radical shift in language undermines traditional family structures and makes Wisconsin a “national embarrassment.”
Republican lawmakers have strongly opposed the proposal, with figures like Wisconsin State Assembly Speaker Robin Voss describing it as yet another example of how out of touch today’s Democratic Party is with the values of everyday Americans. Voss pointed out that if Evers truly believed that “mothers are mothers” and “fathers are fathers,” there wouldn’t be any need for such massive changes in state law. Republican State Representative Amanda Nedweski also criticized the proposal, suggesting that Evers’ push for this change implies that dads could somehow be moms too.
National figures, including SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, have also weighed in, mocking the term “inseminated person” as absurd. Musk, commenting on social media, referred to the idea as “crazy,” further stoking the controversy.
This move by Evers comes amid growing concerns among conservatives about the erosion of traditional values, especially in light of the Trump administration’s push to limit gender-neutral policies and protect the rights of women in sports. President Trump has been a vocal opponent of transgender policies, including efforts to restrict transgender women from participating in women’s sports and using women’s restrooms.
Evers’ proposal is currently under review in the state Senate, and it remains to be seen whether it will pass or if it will face significant opposition in the legislative process. For many Republicans, the debate over this proposal serves as yet another flashpoint in the ongoing culture war, highlighting the deep divide over issues of identity, language, and family values in America.