Senate Bill 223 seeks to enhance protections against discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations by explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression. The bill defines gender identity as an individual's internal understanding of their gender, irrespective of their sex assigned at birth, and gender expression as the outward manifestation of that identity. Key amendments include the addition of gender identity and gender expression to existing non-discrimination laws, which previously only covered sex and sexual orientation. This expansion ensures that individuals cannot be excluded or discriminated against in various contexts, including educational institutions, jury duty, adoption rights, and access to mental health services.

The bill also requires state agencies and contracting entities to take affirmative action to prevent discrimination based on gender identity and expression, alongside existing protections for race, religion, and sexual orientation. Notable changes include prohibiting the University of Wisconsin System from investing in companies that discriminate based on these identities and ensuring public accommodations provide equal access to facilities consistent with an individual's gender identity. Additional amendments clarify that while institutions may segregate students in dormitories by sex, no student should be denied access to accommodations that align with their gender identity. The bill further updates language regarding marital status and expands the list of protected characteristics, promoting equality and inclusivity across multiple sectors.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 15.04(1)(g), 15.04, 16.765(1), 16.765, 16.765(2), 36.09(1)(e), 36.09, 36.11(3)(a), 36.11, 36.12(1), 36.12, 36.29(1), 36.29, 38.04(13)(b), 38.04, 38.23(1), 38.23, 38.23(4), 47.02(3m)(f), 47.02, 48.82(1)(a), 48.82, 48.82(6), 51.90, 66.0125(3)(a), 66.0125, 66.0125(3)(c)1.b