PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) South Dakota’s transgender community could be impacted by some bills under consideration by House lawmakers. The main bill that’s being discussed is House Bill 12-59, which would limit access to gender-assigned rooms like bathrooms to a person’s biological sex. Mike Phelan with the Transformation Project Advocacy Network testified against the bill last week, saying he doesn’t believe the proposed rules are necessary because transgender people just trying to use the bathroom are not a threat. Phelan is also a school board member in Vermillion where inclusive bathroom rules have been in place since 2022. He notes there have been zero instances of problems caused by transgender kids and bathrooms to this point. It’s not clear when the House will start making decisions on the legislation.
South Dakota House Bill 1259 Could Impact Transgender Community, Advocates Speak Out
South Dakota's transgender community faces potential challenges with House Bill 1259, currently under discussion by state lawmakers. The bill would restrict access to gender-designated bathrooms based on biological sex. Mike Phelan of the Transformation Project Advocacy Network testified against the bill, emphasizing that transgender individuals using restrooms do not pose a threat. Phelan, also a school board member in Vermillion, highlighted that inclusive bathroom policies in schools since 2022 have caused no issues. The timeline for House decisions on the bill remains uncertain.
