Wisconsin Governor, Tony Evers, is under fire for a controversial proposal that suggests overhauling traditional language related to family and parenthood. In his budget recommendation for the 2025-2027 fiscal period, Evers has proposed changing gender-specific terms in state law to more “inclusive” alternatives. Critics argue that this move diminishes the significance of motherhood and fatherhood.
The suggested changes include replacing “mother” with “parent who gave birth to the child” and “father” with “parent.” Other terms like “wife” and “husband” would become “spouse.” Supporters of these changes claim it aims to create a more inclusive environment for all families. However, many see it as an unnecessary and offensive overhaul of language that traditionally recognizes the unique roles of mothers and fathers.
Wisconsin radio host Dan O’Donnell highlighted the absurdity of these changes on social media, calling it “beyond parody.” His post quickly attracted attention, including a comment from Senator Mike Lee of Utah, who labeled it as a “red flag.”
The Republican Governors Association (RGA) also chimed in, expressing outrage over Evers’ proposal. RGA Executive Director Sara Craig emphasized the beauty and importance of motherhood, stating, “If Tony Evers can reduce motherhood to an ‘inseminated person,’ then our society is lost.” This criticism reflects a broader concern among conservatives that the language initiatives undermine the societal distinction between men and women and the traditional family structure.
Wisconsin Senate President Mary Felzkowski echoed similar sentiments, condemning the proposal as a “disgusting” attempt to erase the roles of women and men. She noted that these efforts do more than just change vocabulary; they threaten the very institution of marriage and the family unit. “It is becoming clear the governor not only wants the government to raise children but that he wants to erase the concept of ‘mom and dad’ altogether,” Felzkowski stated.
Additional criticism has arisen over the manner in which these changes are being introduced. Republican lawmakers have accused Governor Evers of trying to conceal these significant changes within a lengthy budget document, making it easier to push through without full public scrutiny. Representative Tom Tiffany, a Republican from Wisconsin, pointed out that this proposal is an insult to the women who give birth and raise children. He stated that changing “mother” to “inseminated person” is not just odd but entirely disrespectful to the role mothers play in society.
This latest development is part of a larger cultural struggle over language and its implications in society. With debates surrounding gendered language being more prominent in recent years, many conservatives have taken a firm stance against such initiatives. Former President Donald Trump had previously addressed these concerns, issuing an executive order aimed at restoring what he termed “biological truth” to federal policy. His directive recognized only two sexes, male and female, and sought to protect women’s sports from the implications of gender ideology.
In early February, Trump reinforced his commitment to this cause by signing another executive order aimed at preventing biological males from competing in women’s sports. He promised to withhold federal funding from states that fail to comply, highlighting the ongoing tension between state governance and federal oversight regarding gender issues.
As these discussions continue, many conservatives worry that the push for inclusive language is part of a broader trend that disregards the unique identities and roles within family structures. They believe it’s vital to stand up against what they see as attempts to erase the very definitions of motherhood and fatherhood from the cultural lexicon.
This growing debate underscores a pivotal moment in understanding the role of language in our society and the values we choose to uphold. As families navigate these changes, the implications for future generations remain a topic of significant concern for many conservative voices across the nation.
