For those of you who are committed to ACTION, and want to do even more to make sure this change happens, please fill out, and send the following letter to the people below. WI Representatives cannot ignore multiple letters/emails from people around the state, demanding change. This signals to them, that people are interested in this issue, and that they need to take action to change it.

WHO TO CONTACT: 

LGBT WI CAUCUS MEMBERS
Rep. Mark Spreitzer  - Rep.Spreitzer@legis.wisconsin.gov
Rep. Todd Novak - Rep.Novak@legis.wisconsin.gov
Rep. Marisabel Cabrera - Rep.Cabrera@legis.wisconsin.gov
Rep. Greta Neubauer - Rep.Neubauer@legis.wisconsin.gov
Rep. Lee Snodgrass - Rep.Snodgrass@legis.wisconsin.gov

Governor Tony Evers - CONTACT HERE

TEMPLATE BELOW:

XXX,

It has recently come to my attention that the birth certificate forms in the state of WI still state Husband under section 3.

The supreme court ruled in 2017 "Pavan v. Smith", that same-sex spouses are to be allowed to have both individuals listed as parents on the birth certificate. This was after the US District Court in WI ruled in 2016 "Torres v. Seemeyer" the same.

Upon doing some research into the Wisconsin statutes (Specifically 891.40 (1) & (2)), I see that the department was directed to "construe sub. (1) in gender-neutral terms. In particular, the word “husband" in sub. (1) should be construed to mean “spouse." Torres v. Seemeyer."

While same-sex couples currently have the opportunity to have both parents listed on the birth certificate, they are unable to do so immediately after the birth of the child, due to the form. They must jump through loopholes after the fact, to get both individuals listed properly.

This issue is personally important to me because.....................................

The verbiage in both the statute, and birth certificate form should be gender neutral to promote and support equality for same-sex partners, as well as trans folx who do not identify as "mother" or "husband". I demand that this change be implemented immediately, as it is both unconstitutional, oppressive, and prejudice against the LGBTQIA+ community. A form and statute with such antiquated language is delegitimizing and dehumanizing to people who don't identify as heterosexual, and this language needs to be changed immediately to signal the inclusion of all people.

Thank you!