Pierre, S.D. (AP) – A House committee has approved a measure that would require public school students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that match their biological sex.
The panel sent the plan to the full chamber.
Republican Rep. Fred Deutsch is sponsoring the measure. He says schools must provide “reasonable accommodations” for transgender students’ needs under his plan.
Accommodations in the legislation include a single-occupancy bathroom or the “controlled use” of a staff-designated restroom, locker room or shower room.
Libby Skarin is policy director at the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota. She says the measure would harm transgender children.
The state high school activities association has a policy allowing transgender student athletes to request playing on the team of their choice. Opposing lawmakers failed voiding the policy last session.
