I have long family history in #NorthDakota, and there's much beauty and kindness in the state. But ND is a national leader in low voter turn out, and that has lead to #Republicans gerrymandering #Democrats out of existence in the state house, paving the way for the unrestrained cruel, hysterical culture war politics we see today.
One of the reasons the R's get away with it is because a huge percentage of North Dakotans live within an hour of the #Minnesota border. When ND forced the state's only #abortion clinic out of #FargoND, it just moved a couple of miles to #MoorheadMN. Meh... whats the big deal, right, just cross the river to Minnesota.
ND wants to be seen as business friendly. But attacks on LGBTQ people, indigenous peoples voting, the environment, health care, women, books and libraries.... it takes a toll on your reputation. #NDSU and #UND, major growth engines and population importers for the state, risk being seen as places to avoid.
Gender reassignment surgery is now illegal, even though its never been performed in ND. And I suppose ND kids needing puberty blockers can just travel to Minnesota for the care they need, and once again North Dakotan's can wave off the hate and sit out the next election.
I agree with Cody Schuler, of ACLU ND: “This ban won’t stop North Dakotans from being trans, but it will deny them critical support that helps struggling transgender youth grow up to become thriving transgender adults.”
But eventually, this cruelty is going to lead to a less prosperous North Dakota. Maybe thats what it will take to prove to North Dakotans that voting has consequences.
https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-politics-and-policy/north-dakota-governor-signs-law-limiting-transgender-care-minors-rcna80736
