Critics of Transgender Bill Threaten Tourism Boycott

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Opponents of a bill that would prohibit transgender students from using the bathroom of their choice are taking aim at South Dakota's $3.8 billion tourism industry.

Would-be travelers have threatened to cancel trips to the state if Gov. Dennis Daugaard doesn't veto the bill requiring transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond to their sex at birth.

Advocates say the bill is meant to protect the privacy of students, but opponents of the bill say it's discriminatory.

The Argus Leader reports that the effort to pressure Daugaard by highlighting potential tourism losses mirrors similar efforts in Indiana and Arizona.

South Dakota travel industry officials are skeptical about the potential of the transgender legislation to put a dent in the number of visitors coming to the state.

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