Global Courant 2023-04-28 14:15:08
North Dakota public school teachers would be allowed to ignore the pronouns their transgender students use, according to a bill that Senate lawmakers passed by a veto-proof majority on Thursday.
The bill would also allow employees of government agencies 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 permission from a parent or legal guardian. In addition, teachers would be required to tell a student’s parent or guardian if the student identifies as transgender.
The approval comes just days after House lawmakers also passed the bill with a veto-proof majority, meaning the bill could become law without the approval of Republican Governor Doug Burgum.
NORTH DAKOTA BILL RESTRICTS THE USE OF THE BATHROOM FOR TRANSGENDER PEOPLE
Senate lawmakers did not debate the bill on Thursday before approving it by a vote of 40 to 6.
Republican Rep. Karen Rohr, speaking in support of the bill this week, said the bill contains language that the governor has said “he would have no objection to signing.” Mandan’s legislator said the bill “is also in line with the governor’s statement that parents should be involved when these situations arise.”
Republican Cynthia Schreiber-Beck, who opposed the bill, said it doesn’t go far enough. “I am deeply concerned that this is only targeting public schools,” the Wahpeton legislator said, adding that private schools receiving state and federal funding should also be included.
House lawmakers passed the bill Tuesday by a vote of 68 to 22. House Democrats did not discuss 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 been passed by 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, it would go into effect immediately.
The bill may also become law if Burgum does not sign it within three days of receipt. If he vetoes the bill, House and Senate lawmakers will likely override his veto and the bill will become law.
Burgum signed several bills this month that restrict transgender rights.
One prohibits transgender children and adults from accessing bathrooms, locker rooms or showers in dormitories of state-run colleges and correctional facilities that align with their gender identity.
NORTH DAKOTA HOUSE PASSES TRANS BATHROOM, SEXUALLY EXPLICIT CHILDREN’S BOOKS BANNED
Another restricts transgender health care in the state, making it an instant crime to give minors sex changes and hormones. And another bans transgender girls and women from joining female sports teams in K-12 and college.
Burgum last month vetoed another bill that would also have allowed teachers to ignore the pronouns their transgender students use. The Senate voted to override his veto at the time, but the House eventually voted to override his veto. Days later, the Senate revived the effort, adding the language of the old bill on personal pronouns in schools and government agencies to the new bill that passed this week in both chambers.
The efforts in North Dakota are part of a wider push from Republicans in the US to restrict or roll back LGBTQ rights.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
At least 21 states restrict or ban the participation of male-to-female transgender athletes in female sports, and at least 14 states have restricted or banned transgender procedures for minors. In addition, at least eight states have enacted laws preventing transgender people from using the restrooms associated with their gender identity.
