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.”