Senate Judiciary Committee vote to defeat the bathroom bill

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The Senate Judiciary Committee of the South Dakota legislature listened to over ninety minutes of testimony, pro and con, over a bill that would have banned transgender students from using bathroom and locker facilities that match their gender identity.

The bill grew out of a policy adopted in the Vermillion School District over use of school facilities.

Senator David Wheeler of Huron said the legislature should not set policy for school boards.

Senator Timothy Johns of Lead says he was concerned with the possible costs to schools.

Committee Chairman, Senator Art Rusch of Vermillion, says there are other ways to change those policies.

The bill was sent to the forty first day by a vote of 6 to 1. 

The ACLU approved the actions taken by the Senate Judiciary Committee.