ACT NOW: South Dakota has voted to revive the attacks on trans kids playing sports and smoked out House Bill 1217.
Thankfully, we’ve got the time and the power to stop this bill once at for all. Right now we need all hands on deck to make it happen.
About the bill: House Bill 1217 is legislation that would ban transgender women and girls from competing on the sports teams that match their gender identity. This is the seventh attempt by South Dakota lawmakers to prevent trans athletes from competing.
This has to stop.
Connect with South Dakota Senators NOW and ask them to oppose House Bill 1217. This policy had a fair and full hearing already — it doesn’t need any more airtime. Let them know that South Dakotans don’t want this on the books and tell them you rise in solidarity with your trans peers.
Before you call or write, run through our quick checklist:
- Confirm what district you're in via this link: https://sdlegislature.gov/Legislators/Find
- Just type your address into the search bar and hit the magnifying glass! After that, the results should point you to who your lawmakers are.
- Confirm who your senator is and save their email: https://sdlegislature.gov/Legislators/Contacts/44
Sample email for Senators who voted NO on the smoke-out attempt
Click here to send your email right away
SUBJECT LINE: Thank You for Voting No on House Bill 1217
Dear senators,
Thank you for voting no to “smoke out” House Bill 1217 on Thursday. While the vote didn’t go the way we wanted, I appreciate your vote and your efforts – and I hope you’ll vote no again when House Bill 1217 is heard by the entire Senate chamber.
House Bill 1217 is important to me. All students should have the opportunity to play sports and have their personal dignity respected. Transgender students – whether they're in high school or college – are no different. The South Dakota High School Activities Association already has a policy in place for transgender athletes. Likewise, the NCAA also has clear policies on the inclusion of transgender student-athletes and their participation in intercollegiate athletics.
Instead of leveling the playing field, House Bill would place hurdles in front of athletes just because they’re transgender. I’m urging you to vote no on House Bill 1217.
Sincerely,
[FIRST NAME] [LAST NAME]
[ADDRESS OR CONTACT INFO]
Sample email for Senators who voted YES on the smoke-out attempt
Click here to send your email right away
SUBJECT LINE: Vote No on House Bill 1217
Dear senators,
I’m writing to all of you today about House Bill 1217, legislation that would ban women and girls from competing on the sports teams that match their gender identity. This bill attempts to solve a problem that simply doesn’t exist in South Dakota.
House Bill 1217 is important to me. All students should have the opportunity to play sports and have their personal dignity respected. Transgender students – whether they're in high school or college – are no different. The South Dakota High School Activities Association already has a policy in place for transgender athletes. Likewise, the NCAA also has clear policies on the inclusion of transgender student-athletes and their participation in intercollegiate athletics.
Instead of leveling the playing field, House Bill would place hurdles in front of athletes just because they’re transgender. I’m urging you to vote no on House Bill 1217 and focus on issues that really matter to the people of our state.
Sincerely,
[FIRST NAME] [LAST NAME]
[ADDRESS OR CONTACT INFO]
Sample phone call:
- You: "Hi I'm Bob and I live in District 15. Can you please pass on a message to my Senator?"
- Capitol Staff: "Sure! What would you like to say?"
- You: "Please oppose House Bill 1217."
- Make sure to leave your full name and phone number with the Capitol Staff member on the other line.
Dial 605-773-3821 to leave a note for your Senator! It's that easy.
Be sure to customize your notes and calls! This is just a launching point.
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Done making calls and sending your emails? Download a few of our posters and hang them up in your community!
Just open the file below and save a copy to your desktop. We have printed copies ready in Sioux Falls for anyone nearby! Email southdakota@aclu.org to coordinate a pick up/drop off.
