Democrats laud transgender bathroom bill veto

The South Dakota Democratic Party lauded the veto of HB 1008 – the transgender bathroom bill.

“Disaster averted,” said Michael Ewald, Communications Director for the South Dakota Democratic Party. “But let’s not act as if real harm hasn’t already been done because of HB 1008. South Dakota’s image has been impaired. The hurtful comments against transgender students can’t be unsaid.”

National transgender advocates argued HB 1008 would single out the transgender community and business groups expressed concern about potential boycotts.

“There’s never been a single instance which proves a need exists for HB 1008, yet we have people literally dying in ambulances on the way to Nebraska because there’s no emergency room in Rosebud. We could have better spent our time expanding Medicaid this session than trying to police bathrooms. No better proof the South Dakota Republican Party’s misplaced priorities are hurting the state,” said Ewald.