An assumed preemptive piece of legislation prevailed in the House.

 

On a 39-30 vote, House members passed House Bill 1108, which prohibits gender dysphoria instruction in public schools.

 

“The legislative intent of this bill is to ensure that our South Dakota public schools are not teaching and confusing our young children,” Rep. Tom Pischke told fellow Representatives.

 

“This legislation wouldn’t even be necessary if we could trust our educators.”

 

Rep. Pischke previously told member of the House Education committee that ““I can’t point to anything specifically in South Dakota” in regards to instruction of gender dysphoria occurring in classrooms.

 

“As lawmakers of this state it is reckless to consider this legislation,” Rep. Kelly Sullivan said. “It does not reflect the reality of what is happening in South Dakota schools.”

 

Despite a lack of local examples where teaching of gender dysphoria is taking place, Rep. Pischke noted “the bill just restricts” instruction and would “help save children from dysphoria.

 

A point rebuffed by Rep. Linda Duba, who reiterated this practice was not happening here.

 

“We are not doing this in the schools,” Rep. Duba, an educational assistant in the Sioux Falls School District, said.

 

ASBSD is opposed to the bill, which is up for a hearing in Senate State Affairs on Friday (2-22).

 

For updates on the bill and other legislation throughout session, check the ASBSD Blog, Twitter feed, Facebook page and Bill Tracker.