FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 13, 2022

The South Dakota Democratic Party Passes Resolution to Support LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit Communities in South Dakota

Sioux Falls – At the 2022 State Convention, the South Dakota Democratic Party passed a resolution to adopt a formal stance on LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit rights in South Dakota.

District 10 House candidate Kameron Nelson authored and presented this resolution to delegates at the state convention. 

“Delegates at the SDDP Convention resoundingly supported the rights of LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit South Dakotans with the passage of this resolution. This is a significant step toward full equality for our community and sends a message to Governor Noem’s office that we will not tolerate her continued attacks on trans kids and LGBTQ+ people,” said Kameron Nelson.

Resolution:

Adopt a Formal Stance on LGBTQ+ Rights in South Dakota

Author/Source Name(s): Kameron Nelson

Whereas: In 2022, more than 11 million Americans openly identify as LGBTQ+ or Two-Spirit, including over 30,000 South Dakotans.

Whereas: According to the Center for American Progress, one quarter of LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit individuals still experience discrimination in some form every year and more than one third of LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit high school and college students continue to experience discrimination that negatively affects their ability to learn and to feel accepted.

Whereas: The friends, family members, supporters, and members of the LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit community know their own hopes, their own dreams, and their own voices cannot be silenced by hatred and bigotry.

Whereas: Repeated policy attacks against LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit South Dakotans are appalling and discriminatory.

Be It Resolved: That the South Dakota Democratic Party openly affirm the LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit communities in South Dakota and the nine Tribal Nations that share that geography.

Be It Further Resolved: That the SDDP shall pursue policies that strengthen and support inclusive education standards including Title IX protections, access to affirming healthcare and mental health resources, access to housing, military service, parental rights, and adoption rights for LGBTQ+ and Two-Spirit people.

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