South Dakota senate approves transgender bathroom bill “Report”

South Dakota made headlines across the country after the House and Senate sent the transgender bathroom bill to his desk.

The state Senate passed the bill by a 20-15 margin on Tuesday, sending it to Governor Dennis Daugaard’s desk.

The Republican governor, who has hinted support for the measure, said he would study the matter before making a decision whether or not to sign it.

If he were to sign it, South Dakota would become the first state in the US to enact such a law.

Critics call the measure discriminatory, while advocates say it is meant to protect the privacy of students.

The bill would require schools to provide a “reasonable accommodation” for transgender students.

The accommodations could include a single-occupancy bathroom or the “controlled use” of a staff-designated restroom, locker room or shower room.

The issue of addressing gender identity has become more prominent in the US in recent years, leading to bitter disputes among lawmakers in several states.

Agencies/Canadajournal