(San Francisco, CA, March 1, 2016)—The National Center for Lesbian Rights applauds South Dakota Governor Dennis Dauggard for vetoing House Bill 1008, which would have required South Dakota public schools to invade the privacy of all students and deny transgender students the ability to be treated the same as other students.

Statement by NCLR Transgender Youth Project Attorney Asaf Orr, Esq.:

“We salute Governor Daugaard for meeting with students and listening to the concerns of legal experts and medical professionals about the serious harms caused by denying students equal access to all school programs and activities. School policies should be based on evidence, not irrational stereotypes and fears, and should support the health and well-being of all students.”

Individuals and organizations that sent letters to Governor Daugaard urging him to veto HB 1008 include:

• South Dakota Association of School Psychologists
• National Association of School Psychologists
• American Psychiatric Association
• Pediatric Endocrine Society
• Dr. William Byne, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine
• World Professional Association for Transgender Health