Despite serious issues like our state’s workforce shortage, affordable childcare, education funding and health care, our legislators spent an extraordinary amount of time debating the individual rights and liberties of our transgender friends and neighbors.
Ignoring the warnings of families, advocates, health care providers and transgender North Dakotans themselves, legislators passed and Governor Doug Burgum signed into law House Bill 1254, legislation that bans ban gender-affirming health care for transgender youth.
I’ll be honest with you. We worked hard to defeat this bill. But this was a coordinated, hate-driven campaign to push trans people out of public life, and we’re still disappointed in the outcome. We know you are, too.
But today, I want to thank you for taking action with us and contacting your legislators and Governor Burgum about House Bill 1254 through our email forms. While your action didn’t change the outcome, it’s important for you to know your effort is appreciated and did not go unnoticed.
As we continue the fight for trans rights in North Dakota, it’s important for our legislators who stood by us know they are appreciated, too. Will you send a note of thanks to these elected leaders? In today’s politically charged environment, it’s critical that these legislators know they have their constituents’ support.
Together, we'll fight as hard as it takes – for as long as it takes – to protect everyone's fundamental freedoms.
Thank you, North Dakota.
