SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The House State Affairs Committee today approved House Bill 1008 which would require schools to establish restrooms and locker rooms base on a student’s biological sex.
Bill sponsor Representative Fred Deutsch, R-Florence, says transgender students would have to request separate facilities. Deustch says the bill offers a resonable accomodation based on the unique needs of each individual and school district. He says the bill demonstrates concern, care and compasion for the transgender student.
A lawyer with the ACLU says the bill, if passed, would put South Dakota schools in a difficult situation. She says quite simply it places significant harm on transgender students and creates a legal mess.
The ACLU says transgender students face higher rates of harassment, assault and suicide.
Deutsch says the bill the legislature passed last year dealing with transgender athletes "doesn't sit right with me."