According to the current rules adopted by South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) in 2015 transgender athletes are allowed to compete in sports in accordance with their gender identity.
The new bill from state lawmakers will mandate all competitors to participate in sporting events by accordance with the gender arbitrarily listed on their state-controlled birth certificate, instead of their own personal decision.
The stated rationale: “I just firmly believe that those who are males should play in sports designated for males and those who are females … should play in sports designated for females, according to your birth certificate. It’s about fair competition,” Jim Bolin (South Dakota lawmaker).
How do you feel about this gutting of rights of an oppressed minority class in South Dakota? On our side, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Dakota is thoroughly opposing the bill, and it violates federal law.