ND Senate rejects measure to limit pronoun use at state-funded organizations

Fargo, ND, USA / The Mighty 790 KFGO | KFGO

Jan 20, 2023 | 3:42 PM

North Dakota State Sen. David Clemens (R-West Fargo)

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO/PRAIRIE PUBLIC) – The North Dakota Senate has rejected a measure that its sponsor said would limit pronouns used to reference an individual’s sex or gender identity to a person’s determined sex at birth.

The measure would have carried a $1,500 fine for misusing a pronoun.

West Fargo Republican Sen. David Clemens is the measure’s main sponsor.

“I know some will disagree, but I firmly believe that truth is male and female and nothing else,” Clemens said.

It came out of the Senate Judiciary Committee with a 7-0 “do not pass” recommendation.

Edinburg Republican Sen. Janne Myrdal said there were questions on how the measure would be enforced. She said there are other bills on a similar issue that will be considered later in the session.