South Dakota governor vetoes bathroom legislation

March 03, 2016

In a victory for transgender activists, Gov. Dennis Daugaard of South Dakota has vetoed a bill directing students to use bathrooms and locker rooms of their own biological sex.

The bill stated:

Every restroom, locker room, and shower room located in a public elementary or secondary school that is designated for student use and is accessible by multiple students at the same time shall be designated for and used only by students of the same biological sex. In addition, any public school student participating in a school sponsored activity off school premises which includes being in a state of undress in the presence of other students shall use those rooms designated for and used only by students of the same biological sex.

The state’s bishops had supported the bill, stating that “the issue this legislation addresses is not simply a policy about access to facilities but strikes at the heart of who we are as human persons and the reality that policies teach.”

 

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Further information:

• South Dakota governor vetoes law on transgender bathrooms (AP)
• Statement from the Roman Catholic Bishops of South Dakota Regarding Proposed Legislation on Accommodation Based Upon Gender (Diocese of Rapid City)
• Text of legislation (SouthDakota.gov)