SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - South Dakota passed a bill last session protecting faith-based adoption agencies from state penalties for refusing to place a child due to moral or religious objections.
Governor Daugaard says the bill is different from other legislation around the country. Daugaard says to some extent South Dakota is compared to North Carolina which experienced a big backlash from business for its stance on transgender.
"If anything, I think South Dakota is compared favorably to places like that, and seen as a more tolerant state than might otherwise be the case."
Daugaard vetoed a bill last year that placed restrictions on the use of public restrooms and locker rooms by transgender students. He says that may have stalled similar action this year.
He says there was a piece of legislation that was withdrawn before its first hearing. The Governor thinks its because of communication among legislators with some saying "look what this has done in North Carolina and we don't need that in South Dakota, you're not going to have the votes anyway."
But supporters of the transgender restrictions say the may bring a ballot measure on the issue next year.
