Pierre is one of a half dozen towns in South Dakota where advocates will hold rallies tomorrow (Jan. 15, 2022) to bring attention to what they’re calling “discriminatory, anti-transgender bills” that have been introduced in the first week of the state’s legislative session.
Two bills would ban transgender youth from playing on the sports team consistent with their gender identity (HB 1006 and SB 46) and one bill would ban transgender students access to locker rooms consistent with their gender identity (HB 1005).
Pierre Area Center for Equality (PACE), in coordination with the Transformation Project Advocacy Network and other LGBTQIA+ non-profits in South Dakota, will be demonstrating on the steps of the State Capitol from 10am-2pm tomorrow. Supporters can come-and-go as they’re able to. There will also be food and hot beverages available for demonstrators at the UCC Church (located a couple blocks away from the Capitol at 123 North Harrison).
The Senate State Affairs committee amended and passed SB 46 today 8-1 (Jan. 14, 2022), with every Republican on the committee voting in favor of the bill– including District 24 Senator Mary Duvall of Pierre. District 26 Senator and Senate democratic leader Troy Heinert of Mission was the only vote against the bill. Opponents say it exposes schools to legal action for a political cause that has not been an issue in South Dakota.
Along with Duvall and Heinert, other senators on the State Affairs Committee are: Cammack, Gary (R); Crabtree, Casey (R); Diedrich, Michael (R); Duhamel, Helene (R); Rohl, Michael (R); Schoenbeck, Lee (R); Schoenfish, Kyle (R).
Along with the one at the State Capitol in Pierre, “Protect Trans Kids Rallies” are being held:
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Sioux Falls– 10am-12pm CT at Van Eps Park (300 North Minnesota Ave.)
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Rapid City– 10am-2pm CT/9am-1pm MT at 6th Street & Main Avenue
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Brookings– 10am-12pm CT at Hillcrest Park (1520 6th Street)
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Vermillion– 12-2pm CT at Ratingen Platz located on the corner of Main Street and Market Street
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Watertown– 3:30pm CT at the intersection of Highways 212 and 81
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