In a decisive move to uphold free speech and protect educators’ rights, Wyoming has enacted Senate File 77 (SF 0077), officially titled “Compelled Speech Is Not Free Speech.” This legislation ensures that teachers and other public employees are not mandated to use individuals’ preferred pronouns, aligning with their First Amendment rights.
The law, which takes effect on July 1, 2025, explicitly prohibits the state and its subdivisions from compelling employees to use pronouns that do not correspond with an individual’s biological sex. This measure safeguards educators from potential adverse actions, including employment sanctions, for adhering to their personal beliefs regarding gender identity.
State Senator Lynn Hutchings, a Republican from Cheyenne, championed the bill, emphasizing the importance of protecting free speech within educational settings. Hutchings stated that compelling someone to use preferred pronouns infringes upon their freedom of speech, underscoring that such mandates are unconstitutional.
The bill garnered substantial support in the Republican-controlled state legislature, reflecting a broader national conversation about balancing individual rights with evolving social norms. Advocates argue that the legislation is a necessary step to prevent government overreach into personal beliefs and speech.
Matt Sharp, director of the Alliance Defending Freedom’s Center for Public Policy, praised the enactment, asserting that no one should face job loss or punishment for declining to say something they believe is false. He highlighted that words and language carry meaning, and when used properly, they communicate truth about the world. Forcing individuals to say things that are false, such as inaccurate pronouns, imposes real harm on the speaker.
Opponents of the bill, including LGBTQ advocacy groups, argue that such measures could lead to increased discrimination and create unwelcoming environments for transgender and non-binary individuals. They express concern that the law may embolden individuals to refuse acknowledgment of others’ gender identities, potentially fostering hostility.
However, supporters counter that the legislation does not permit harassment or discrimination but simply protects individuals from being forced to express beliefs they do not hold. They argue that existing laws already provide robust protections against harassment and that this measure solely addresses compelled speech.
Governor Mark Gordon allowed the bill to become law without his signature, a move permitted under Wyoming’s legislative process. In a letter to the state Senate president, Gordon expressed that while he believes in protecting free speech, he viewed the bill as addressing a problem not currently present in Wyoming. He cautioned against potential overregulation but acknowledged the legislature’s intent to safeguard individual liberties.
Wyoming joins other states in enacting similar legislation aimed at protecting public employees from compelled speech related to gender identity. For instance, Idaho passed a law in 2024 that prohibits compelling public employees or students to use pronouns that do not align with an individual’s biological sex.
The passage of SF 0077 reflects a growing trend among conservative-leaning states to push back against what they perceive as the imposition of progressive gender ideologies. Proponents view these laws as essential to preserving constitutional freedoms and preventing government-mandated speech.
Critics argue that such legislation may have unintended consequences, potentially marginalizing already vulnerable populations. They fear that these laws could discourage inclusivity and respect for individual identity within public institutions.
As the national debate over gender identity and free speech continues, Wyoming’s new law stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to individual liberties. The implementation of SF 0077 will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents, as it may influence similar legislative efforts across the country.
Educators and public employees in Wyoming can now perform their duties without fear of reprisal for adhering to their personal beliefs regarding pronoun usage. This legal protection underscores the state’s dedication to upholding the constitutional rights of its citizens while navigating the complexities of contemporary social issues.
In summary, Wyoming’s enactment of SF 0077 marks a significant development in the ongoing discourse surrounding free speech and gender identity. By shielding public employees from compelled speech, the state reinforces its commitment to individual rights and sets a precedent that may resonate beyond its borders.
