Saturday, February 27, 2016

South Dakota, ELCA, Transgenders, and Bathrooms

The South Dakota state legislature recently passed a bill that “require(s) public-school students to use facilities that match their biological sex, according to the Washington Times.”

“…Under the bill, 'every restroom, locker room, and shower room located in a public elementary or secondary school that is designated for student use and is accessible by multiple students at the same time shall be designated for and used only by students of the same biological sex.'" The governor has yet to sign the bill.

ELCA South Dakota synod bishop, David Zellmer, does not like this bill and he took to social media to lobby for its defeat saying, “I have contacted South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard and urged him to veto HB 1008 – legislation that would prevent transgender students in public schools from using restrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity.”

http://www.exposingtheelca.com/exposed-blog/elca-bishop-wants-transgender-students-to-be-allowed-to-use-opposite-sex-showers-and-bathrooms

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

I have contacted South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard and urged him to veto HB 1008 – legislation that would prevent transgender students in public schools from using restrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity. This is a bill that ostracizes transgender students, putting them at risk in our schools.

This is not how we treat our neighbors. We are called to love and protect our neighbor in need. Let us stand in their corner rather than against them. These are the children of our own families, congregations, and communities. Let our love for them lead us to take action for their protection. I urge you to take action and contact Governor Daugaard and ask him to veto this dangerous bill. His contact information may be found here.

Please join me in praying for our South Dakota children that this bill would effect and for a proper resolution.

In the hope of mercy and equality,



Bishop David Zellmer
South Dakota Synod, ELCA

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