PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says she will sign a bill to bar transgender girls and women from participating in female sports leagues. However, whether it ultimately takes effect in the state will likely be decided in federal court.
After being “smoked out,” the bill passed by the Senate addresses a situation that currently does not exist in South Dakota, according to the high school athletics association.
While proponents cast it as a way to “promote fairness in women’s sports,” opponents labeled it as a “political statement” that would drag the state into a legal battle.
Representatives from the ACLU of South Dakota testified against the bill, and were joined by organizations such as the South Dakota
High School Activities Associated, the South Dakota Board of Regents, the School of Administration of South Dakota and The Transformation Project.
The bill was approved on a vote of 20-15.
