South Dakota

Gov. Kristi Noem's action comes after she sought changes to anti-trans legislation, drawing criticism from the right, and some now say she's trying to save face with conservatives.

Kristi Noem wants an anti-trans bill before her to exclude trans athetes only at the high school level, not college, but she's announced a coalition to resist sanctions for such policies.

Activists say the measure signed by Gov. Kristi Noem will enable discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and others.

The bill, which would keep trans girls out of girls' school sports, appeared to be dead in committee last week.

The Mississippi bill would keep transgender girls out of girls' sports, while the South Dakota legislation is a so-called religious freedom measure that would enable discrimination.

The bill, which now goes to the state Senate, would prevent trans girls and women from competing on female teams.

The bill was dismissed by a committee, but revived by a special procedure.