We the bishops of the Roman Catholic Church in South Dakota support House Bill 1008 because it protects the rights and respects the innate dignity of all persons in our schools. We begin by making clear that God’s love is present to every person including those who manifest themselves as transgender and those who advocate for them. All persons, and in a special way young persons are to be treated with compassion and sensitivity and receive the support they need for personal development. The Dioceses of Rapid City and Sioux Falls are prepared to reach out to any individual who seeks our counseling and other ministries.