GOP senator apologizes for saying there are only two sexes in graduation speech

Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) has apologized after she was booed by graduates at the University of Wyoming for stating that there were only 2 genders while delivering the school’s commencement address.

Lummis said it was a “fundamental scientific truth.” Lummis also said that fundamental freedoms were under attack in the United States. 

“My reference to the existence of two sexes was intended to highlight the times in which we find ourselves, times in which the metric of biological sex is under debate with potential implications for the shared Wyoming value of equality,” her statement read.

“I share the fundamental belief that women and men are equal, but also acknowledge that there are biological differences and circumstances in which these differences need to be recognized. That being said, it was never my intention to make anyone feel unwelcomed or disrespected, and for that I apologize.”

Wyoming University President President Ed Seidel, who released a statement noting that “one of our speakers made remarks regarding biological sex that many on campus take issue with.”

“While we respect the right of all to express their views, from students to elected officials, we unequivocally state that UW is an institution that supports and celebrates its diverse communities that collectively make us the wonderful place that we are,” Seidel said.

The university’s diversity, equity, and inclusion council responded to the senator’s comments in a statement saying that “intersex members of our community who have diverse chromosomal makeup should be seen and recognized” and “we deeply regret the harmful impact these words at our graduation ceremony may have had on those graduating as well as their families and friends.”

Some attendees Tweeted to express their outrage. “I was at the University of Wyoming graduation today for my awesome niece,” wrote user @remdold. “One of the speakers was WY senator Cynthia Lummis who thought that was a good time for a political agenda speech instead of an inspirational speech for the graduates. Self serving politician!”