South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was slammed with a lawsuit by a transgender activist group for terminating a contract with the latter last year.
Recently, the transgender activist group called “Transformation Project” announced that it is suing Governor Noem for alleged discrimination following the termination of a contract last December.
According to the Associated Press, the Transformation Project filed the lawsuit on Friday.
In a statement released by Susan Williams, director of the group, she claimed that the termination was “uncalled for and was, in fact, discrimination.”
“We believe that our contract was not broken and that the State’s claims against us are unfounded.” Williams added.
The controversy arose after Noem announced that Health Secretary Joan Adam was retiring from the position after the Department of Health had reportedly signed a $136,000 contract with The Transformation Project.
Massive W in South Dakota today!
HB1080 passed The Senate Health & Human Services Committee. Goes to the floor tomorrow and then it’ll land on @KristiNoem’s desk!
MY TESTIMONY: pic.twitter.com/ZNoXe0UjdY— Chloe Cole ⭐️ (@ChoooCole) February 8, 2023
Following Adam’s retirement, she released an official statement during a press release, claiming that “my time with the Department of Health has been very rewarding. The dedication of the Department’s employees is impressive and will continue to serve the state well. I am looking forward to focusing on family and personal commitments.”
“Joan has lived a life of service to the Pierre community and to the people of South Dakota. She has been able to put families first because she recognizes the importance of her own family. I am grateful for her advice and wish her the best on everything that she does.” Noem added.
Although Noem did not mention the contract with the group while announcing Adam’s retirement, she claimed that “South Dakota does not support this organization’s efforts,” and terminated the state’s contact with it.
“South Dakota does not support this organization’s efforts, and state government should not be participating in them. We should not be dividing our youth with radical ideologies. We should treat every single individual equally as a human being.” Noem added.
The recent news comes as the South Dakota Senate reportedly passed a bill that bans sex change surgeries.
The proposed amendment, permitting puberty blockers failed also reportedly restricts doctors and other medical practitioners from prescribing puberty blockers or performing gender-transitioning surgery on minors in the state.
