Lawmaker wants to protect transgendered people under Wisconsin's anti-discrimination law

MILWAUKEE-- A state lawmaker from Beloit wants to add transgendered people to Wisconsin's anti-discrimination policy. Rep. Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) is in the early stages of trying to amend the current statute.

Wisconsin's current law protects gay, lesbian, and bisexual people, but does not protect people based on their gender identity.

Spreitzer said with the Republican controlled legislature, his top priority will be making sure transgendered students are protected at school. Wisconsin has seen several transgendered teens commit suicide in the past year-- many of these teens were bullied.

In response, many schools across the Milwaukee area have stepped up and implemented policies to ensure their transgendered students are safe at school.

Spreitzer said his eventual goal is to push for legislation that protects all transgendered people from discrimination at work, in housing, and public accomodations.