Public school teachers in North Dakota would be allowed to ignore the pronouns their transgender students use, under a bill that state Senate lawmakers passed Thursday with a veto-proof majority.
The bill would also allow employees of government entities to ignore the pronouns their transgender colleagues use. And, it would further prohibit transgender public school students from using the bathroom of their choice, unless they have approval from a parent or legal guardian. Additionally, teachers would be required to tell a student’s parent or guardian if the student identifies as transgender.
The passage comes just days after House lawmakers also passed the bill with a veto-proof majority, which means the bill could become law without Republican Gov. Doug Burgum’s approval.
NORTH DAKOTA BILL LIMITS BATHROOM USE FOR TRANSGENDER PEOPLE
Senate lawmakers did not debate the bill on Thursday before passing it on a 40-6 vote.
Speaking in support of the bill this week, Republican Rep. Karen Rohr said the bill includes language the governor has said “he would have no objections to signing.” The Mandan lawmaker said the bill is “also consistent with the governor’s statement that parents should be involved when these situations arise.”
Republican Rep. Cynthia Schreiber-Beck, who opposed the bill, said it does not go far enough. “I have a real concern that this is only targeted at public schools,” the Wahpeton lawmaker said, adding that private schools receiving state and federal funding should also be included.
House lawmakers passed the bill on Tuesday on a 68-22 vote. House Democrats did not speak on the floor about the bill this week, but all 12 voted against it — along with 10 House Republicans.
A bill allowing teachers to ignore transgender students’ preferred pronouns has passed both chambers of the North Dakota Legislature with veto-proof majorities. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
The bill now goes to the governor for consideration.
If Burgum signs the bill into law, it would go into effect immediately.
The bill could also become law if Burgum doesn’t sign it within three days of receiving it. Should he veto the bill, House and Senate lawmakers would likely override his veto, and the bill would become law.
Burgum has signed several bills restricting transgender rights into law this month.
One prohibits transgender children and adults from having access to bathrooms, locker rooms or showers in dormitories of state-run colleges and correctional facilities that align with…
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