Late last month, I wrote about Rep. Ben Koppelman’s (R – District 16) efforts to prohibit the state, political subdivisions, and entities receiving public funding from allowing transgender participation in team sports that are “exclusively male or exclusively female”. In reality, Rep. Koppelman is trying to protect girls’ sports in North Dakota.
(Note: The bill applies to those who are under the age of 18 or are enrolled in high school.)
Speculation had it that House Bill 1298 would garner serious debate. And it certainly didn’t disappoint. For nearly 45 minutes, members of the the House went back and forth about the issue. When the dust settled, HB 1298 passed by a wide margin of 65-26.
Neither the debate nor the vote split entirely along party lines. As expected, some of the more liberal Republicans sided with Democrats in opposing the bill.
Some of the best arguments, in favor of its passage, came from female Republican lawmakers. But the most powerful comments in floor debate came from Assistant Majority Leader Scott Louser (R – District 5) and Rep. Ben Koppelman. They were simply stellar.
If I could summarize their remarks in one word, it would be this— unapologetic. In the irrational PC political environment we now live in, it was refreshing. Rather than me summarizing, I highly recommend you give them a listen. You can do so by going here and clicking on their names.
(Note: The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration after crossover. If you’ve not done so already, please contact your senator and ask them to support HB 1298.)
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