Governor Doug Burgum has vetoed a controversial bill concerning transgender athletes.  The bill would’ve banned anyone under the age of 18 from playing on a gendered sports team that doesn’t match their original birth certificate, according to an article on Valley News Live.

Proponents of this bill, say it protects the integrity of female athletics.  It protects scholarships for female athletes and keeps female athletes safe from stronger birth males, playing in female sports.

In the article, Governor Doug Burgum said, “To date, there has not been a single recorded incident of a transgender girl attempting to play on a North Dakota girls’ team.”

However, that may be the case in North Dakota so far, but it's not the case in other states.  Sophomore runner for Idaho State, Madison Kenyon says females who play sports that match their birth certificate are being displaced and pushed out by transgender athletes.  In an article on ABC News,  Kenyon talks about losing to a biological male in her first collegiate race, and how it was very discouraging.  She wants to compete, but on a fair playing field.

In the same article, 18 year old Chelsea Mitchell says she lost several state titles in high school after racing two transgender athletes in High School.  Both Mitchell and Kenyon are involved in lawsuits against transgenders who participate in sports that don't match their original birth certificate.

Governor Burgum's decision to veto because it hasn't happened yet?   It's obviously coming to North Dakota at some point.  Probably sooner, rather than later.

The bill will now go back to the House and Senate again.  If the transgender bill gets a 2/3 majority vote again, it will pass without the signature of the Governor.


 

LOOK: The most famous actress born the same year as you

Many of the actresses in this story not only made a name for themselves through their collection of iconic performances, but also through the selfless, philanthropic nature with which many of them approached their stardom. In an age of flipping the script on societal norms, many of these actresses are using their voices and platforms to be advocates for those who are otherwise unheard.

 

More From Hot 975