Bathroom bill would make schools less safe, opponents, LGBTQ advocates testify
Two controversial bills in North Dakota are drawing sharp lines over identity, safety, and belonging in public spaces. One would ban all-gender bathrooms in K-12 schools—even single-use restrooms—despite testimony that they improve safety and reduce behavior issues. The other would prohibit state entities from recognizing gender identities that differ from sex assigned at birth. Supporters frame the bills as common sense; opponents say they risk deepening harm for transgender and intersex individuals, especially youth, who already face high rates of discrimination and suicide. Lawmakers have yet to vote.
Mary Steurer with the North Dakota Monitor has the full story; bill details are below.
HB 1144
A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 15.1-06-21 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to transgender student accommodations and restroom use in public schools; to provide a penalty; and to declare an emergency.
House Sponsors: Tveit (R, District 33), D. Anderson (R, District 6), Frelich (R, District 15), Klemin (R, District 47), McLeod (R, District 45), S. Olson (R, District 8), Rohr (R, District 31), Schatz (R, District 39),
Senate Sponsors: Clemens (R, District 16), Weston (R, District 15),
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HB 1181
A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 1-01-34 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to gender usage in the North Dakota Century Code.
House Sponsors: S. Olson (R, District 8), K. Anderson (R, District 19), Christianson (R, District 18), Henderson (R, District 15), Koppelman (R, District 16), Morton (R, District 46), Tveit (R, District 33),
Senate Sponsors: Castaneda (R, District 40), Van Oosting (R, District 36),
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