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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – South Dakota lawmakers will consider a handful of bills that could impact the state’s transgender community.
Transformation Project Advocacy Network Executive Secretary, Mike Phelan, testified against House Bill 1259 Wednesday.
The measure would impact which bathrooms transgender people can use, something Phelan doesn’t believe is necessary.
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“Entering a bathroom with the intention to harass or assault somebody is already against the law. The only thing that these bills add is being in a public space with a transgender person is scary apparently, and it’s not,” Phelan said.
“We heard testimony yesterday share a sleeping room or a bathroom or whatever with your minor daughter and that we’re just supposed to say that’s okay?” Republican Rep. Scott Odenbach said.
1259 is one of a handful of bills that would impact the transgender community.
Phelan is a school board member in Vermillion, which has had inclusive bathroom rules since 2022.
“In the three-plus years that this has been on the books, there have been zero instances of problems caused by transgender kids and bathrooms. People just want a place to do their business,” Phelan said.
“This isn’t a bully bill, this is a common-sense bill. And it’s unfortunate we have to codify common sense, but that’s where we are today,” Odenbach said.
“My daughters, my granddaughters have feelings, too. And if the male is in their bathroom, to me, that’s the bullying,” Republican Rep. Marty Overweg said.
As lawmakers decide how to vote, Phelan encourages them to research the potential impact of their decisions.
“The answer is talk to transgender people, meet with families of transgender people. Realize that transgender people in South Dakota are first and foremost human beings who deserve to live a dignified life and be accepted in their communities,” Phelan said.
House Bills 1201, 1260 and 1177 are a few others that may impact the transgender community if passed.
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