Wyoming Senator booed for acknowledging 'two sexes'

University of Wyoming students booed Wyoming GOP Sen. Cynthia Lummis during her commencement speech on Saturday when she acknowledged that there are only two sexes.

"There are those in government who believe not that the creator endowed us with inalienable rights as the founders of our nation acknowledged in the declaration of independence, but that government created those rights and the government should redefine those rights, including our rights to freedom of speech, religion, property, assembly, and to keep and bear arms," the Wyoming Republican told graduating students at her alma matter.

"Even fundamental scientific truths such as the existence of two sexes – male and female – are subject to challenge these days," she said before students cut her off with boos for about 20 seconds.

"I'm not making a comment on the fact that there are people who transition between sexes," she followed up to more jeers.

A spokeswoman for Lummis told Oil City News relayed the senator's statement stressing that she believes in two sexes but is sorry to anyone she may have offended.

"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 un-welcomed or disrespected, and for that I apologize. I have appreciated hearing from members of the University of Wyoming community on this issue, and I look forward to continuing this dialogue," Lummis said.

University President Ed Seidel told students on Sunday after the ceremony, "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."