The ACLU of South Dakota's Communications Director would love to speak with you. Janna Farley handles queries from reporters on local, state, and national civil liberties issues. ACLU of South Dakota team members can provide information and assist journalists by lending important perspectives on issues such as LGBTQ advocacy, abortion rights, criminal justice reform, and more. Contact Janna directly at jfarley@aclu.org.
Issues that matter most to South Dakotans are once again being ignored as some lawmakers introduce discriminatory legislation that’s strikingly similar to bills that were defeated in past legislative sessions. The ACLU of South Dakota opposes these bills that would codify discrimination.
House Bill 1076 is not about accurate vital records or judges struggling with uniform decision making. It is a thinly veiled attempt to discriminate against transgender South Dakotans.
South Dakota needs to comply with the Constitution’s promise that all people have a right to equal protection of the laws and to live freely and openly in society as who they are.
The committee’s motion to kill this bill sends a clear message of inclusion and acceptance for our transgender friends and neighbors and that there is no place for discrimination like this in South Dakota.
The right to join with fellow citizens in protest or peaceful assembly is critical to a functioning democracy and at the core of the First Amendment. Hearing that President Biden canceled the Keystone XL permit is welcome news.
While it’s always important to appreciate the joy of the holidays, we also need to recognize the difficulties that come for some LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit people during this time of the year.