Several Fargo residents urge city leaders to oppose Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation

(Fargo, ND) -- Several members of the community spoke at the public comments portion to urge city leadership to stand against nearly two dozen Anti-LGBTQ+ bills being considered in North Dakota's legislative session.

The five speakers each urged The City Commission to work with lawmakers in Bismarck to condemn the bills that have the potential to ban transgender individuals from participating in sports in public schools and colleges, making the gender marker on birth certificate unable to be changed, and one that would prevent transgender people from using the bathroom different from their biological sex.

"The Fargo City Commission must firmly act to condemn the North Dakota Legislature's assault on the LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit's citizens, especially the transgender community, "said Cody Schuler, An advocacy manager for North Dakota's American Civil Liberties Union, "More than 20 bills have been sponsored, making North Dakota one of the leading states in the nation - at the moment - in Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation."

Later in the City Commission meeting, commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of a motion to support the follow the lead of the FMWF Chamber of Commerce, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and "several other community members" to build the workforce in our region. The motions says this can be done through the opposition of Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. The lone "No " vote was City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn.

"The courage of folks showing up to tell us that this is important in their lives. We need to honor them and their message to us [...] "said John Strand, a Fargo City Commissioner, "The Human Rights Commission on February 6th came up with a unanimous message. That these whole spectrum of bills are just plain doing harm."

A list of bills opposed by the North Dakota Civil Liberties Union can be found by clicking here.