South Dakota kills anti-trans school sports team bill
Republican Jim Bolin claimed the new bill was 'all about fair competition'
By Steve Brown
South Dakota lawmakers have killed a bill that would require trans students to compete in sports according to their sex assigned at birth.
On Monday (January 14), the new bill stated that a student’s sex should be determined by their birth certificate or a South Dakota High School Activities Association physical exam form.
Republican Senator Jim Bolin claimed the legislation was “all about fair competition” and told the Sioux Falls City Argus Leader: “I just firmly believe that those who are males should play in sports designated for males and those who are females… Should play in sports designated for females, according to your birth certificate.
“It’s about fair competition, and we’re not breaking any new ground.
“This has nothing to do with bathrooms, locker rooms or shower rooms. This has only to do with the eligibility for athletic competition.”
Now, on Thursday (January 24), the state’s Senate Education Committee decided to defer action on the new bill, according to the Daily Beast.
Libby Skarin, policy director for the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota, said in a statement: “We’re thrilled with the committee’s decision.
“No one is harmed by allowing transgender people to compete consistent with who they are.
“The committee’s motion to kill this bill sends a clear message of inclusion and acceptance for our transgender friends and neighbours and that there is no place for discrimination like this in South Dakota.”