The GOP sponsor of a South Dakota bill
that sought to prohibit students in public schools from using the
bathroom that does not conform to their gender at birth said Tuesday
that he respects Governor Dennis Daugaard's veto of his bill.
The Republican governor said that he
was vetoing House Bill 1008 because it would create “a certain
liability for school districts and the state in an area where no such
liability exists today.”
(Related: South
Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard vetoes transgender bill.)
Rep. Fred Deutsch said in a statement
that he continues to believe that “an objective reading of the
proposed law is consistent with my intent to be non-discriminatory
and fair to all students and parents.”
“However,” he continued, “because
I think the national focus on South Dakota should be on our positive
business environment, strong labor market and the excellent work our
schools do, I am going to ask my legislative colleagues to concur
with the Governor's veto. Further focus on this issue will detract
from the other significant accomplishments of the legislature this
session.”