Transgender bill: South Dakota moves to enact first-in-nation law
South Dakota could become the first state with legislation requiring students, even those identifying as transgender, to use the bathroom corresponding to their gender at birth.
South Dakota’s bill – passed by the state legislature and awaiting the governor’s signature – is the first to put school bathrooms under law, but it highlights the tense debate over LGBT issues that is playing out around the country, in which both religious conservatives and gay rights advocates fear their rights are eroding.
The bill, which South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard (R) has said sounds like a good idea but he wants to study it before deciding, also requires public schools to find “reasonable accommodation” for students who identify as transgender. This could include a single-occupant restroom or designating a staff facility for use temporarily....