South Dakota Settles Lawsuit with Transgender Advocacy Group for $300K and Apologizes

The settlement follows a legal battle over the termination of a contract with the Transformation Project, highlighting the state's commitment to equal treatment under the law.

• South Dakota has agreed to pay $300,000 and issued an apology to the Transformation Project, a transgender advocacy group, after a lawsuit over a terminated contract.
• The contract, initially involving a $136,000 state-administered federal grant, was canceled in December 2022, sparking allegations of discrimination based on national politics.
• The apology, issued by South Dakota Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt, emphasizes that all South Dakotans are entitled to equal treatment under the law.
• The Transformation Project plans to continue its efforts in supporting the transgender community in South Dakota, including applying for future state grants.
• The settlement marks a significant milestone for civil rights advocacy, according to the group's lead attorney, Brendan Johnson, highlighting the importance of standing up for LGBTQ rights.

3 Articles

Associated Press ABC News The Daily Beast