MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A coalition of youth-oriented groups is calling on the nation’s governors to reject measures it says are harmful to young transgender Americans.
The group of seven organizations that includes the National Education Association and American Academy of Pediatrics released an open letter to the governors just days after South Dakota lawmakers approved a bill that would prohibit transgender students from using the bathroom of their choice.
Supporters of the bill say it’s meant to protect student privacy and not meant to be hurtful. But the coalition condemned such measures, saying they could increase risks of bullying and harassment.
The Human Rights Campaign, which has spoken against the South Dakota legislation, solicited the groups and released the letter.
South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard hasn’t indicated whether he will sign the bill.
