Legislative Update - Week 6

​News from the Capitol

Attacks on Women’s Reproductive Rights

They are at it again. In November we made it clear that we don’t want our legislature playing politics with women’s reproductive health. But, they aren’t listening. The anti-choice activists couldn’t get anyone to sponsor legislation, so they have decided to be sneaky and attack women’s reproductive rights through amendments.

A gag rule has been attached to human trafficking legislation (SB 2107), restricting the information victim service providers can give to victims of human trafficking. The gag rule prohibits providers from providing referrals to the full spectrum of reproductive services legally available to them. These are women who have experienced some of the worst sexual abuse imaginable, but anti-choice ideology is taking precedence over what victims really need. Tell your Senator this approach is wrong. They need to allow service providers to do the work without ideological intrusion from politicians.  

Compassionate Care for Rape Victims

SB 2284 received a unanimous Do Pass recommendation from Senate Judiciary and will have a hearing in Senate Appropriations on Wednesday, February 18 at 9:00am. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) will present the intense need for the services. Contact the Senate Judiciary to ask that they support funding this crucial program.


Anti-Discrimination Bill

Senate Judiciary is taking up SB 2279 on Monday to make their recommendation to the committee. We need you to help get this important bill passed. North Dakota NEEDS to be on the right side of history in ensuring no one is fired for their sexual orientation or gender identity. Use this handy link to ask your Senator to vote YES on 2279. The link makes it easy, but take a moment to personalize the message.

Additionally, we’ll be doing some grassroots outreach on Monday evening. Please sign up to help out in either Bismarck, Grand Forks, Fargo, or Minot.
We will be in 4 locations on Monday February 16th from 6 pm-8:30 pm.
Bismarck: Unitarian Universalist Church: 818 East Divide Ave
Grand Forks: Christus Rex: 3012 University Ave (in the Library)
Fargo: FM Pride Center: 1105 First Avenue South
Minot: Minot Library: 516 2nd Avenue SW (in the Quad Room)
Please bring your laptop and phone, and your lovely self! Contact Molly at mmclain@ppmns.org for more information.

We have a little more time until Senate Bill 2279 comes up for a vote- so let's use it wisely and keep the pressure on to encourage our senators to recognize Love is Love and support 2279!