Gov. Larry Rhoden has signed a bill regulating the use of public bathrooms in South Dakota.
The bill requires individuals to use restrooms that match their biological sex.
Supporters say it is a safety issue.
"Men don't belong in female private spaces," said Aberdeen Rep. Brandei Schaefbauer, one of the bill's prime sponsors.
Opponents say the bill is discriminatory and unfairly targets the transgender community. They also say it’s unnecessary as existing law already protect safety in bathrooms.
The Legislature passed a similar bill in 2016, but it was vetoed by then-Governor Dennis Daugaard. Transgender rights advocates urged Rhoden to do the same, but he signed the bill into law Friday.
In a press release, Rhoden said the bill promotes "freedom from the ‘woke’ agenda like what has happened in too many other places.”