“It’s sort of like terrorism. You want to keep it over there, not let it get to here.”– Noem Chief-of-Staff on proposed legislation banning transgender athletes from competing in girls’ or women’s sports in South Dakota

The bill to “protect fairness in women’s sports” was debated and passed out of the South Dakota House State Affairs Committee yesterday (Jan. 26, 2022).

SB46 would prohibit trans gender women from participating in women’s sports.

The bill was introduced by Governor Kristi Noem. During the committee hearing, Noem’s Chief of Staff Mark Miller said they didn’t want to see the issue develop here.

Representative Chris Johnson of Rapid City said it is a good bill and should be approved.

Representative Jamie Smith of Sioux Falls said new laws are not needed.

The bill passed out of committee on an 11-2 vote. It’s scheduled for debate on the House floor this afternoon. The session begins at 2pm CST.

(WNAX Radio contributed to this story.)