Dana Ferguson

dferguson@argusleader.com

Another celebrity has asked that Gov. Dennis Daugaard veto a so-called transgender bathroom bill.

On Wednesday, actress Laverne Cox, who plays Sophia Burset in the Netflix series "Orange is the New Black," posted on Instagram Sioux Falls teen Thomas Lewis' petition opposing the bill.

In the post, Cox says, "Let's urge the South Dakota governor to veto H.B. 1008, the bill that ostracizes trans students and targets them for even more harassment and bullying."

Here's the post in its entirety:

Daugaard is set to consider the measure that would require that transgender students in South Dakota public schools use bathrooms, locker rooms and shower facilities based on their biological sex at birth. Transgender students also could request "reasonable accommodations" in a separate facility.

The bill's supporters, including conservative Christian groups, say it provides privacy for all students and creates a compassionate solution for transgender students. Opponents, including LGBT advocacy groups and the American Civil Liberties Union, say the bill is discriminatory and will create legal problems.

The Republican governor met Tuesday with transgender students ahead of his decision on the bill. He said it helped him to better understand their perspective.

Daugaard has until Tuesday to decide whether to sign or veto the bill. If he doesn't act, the bill will become law.

Follow Dana Ferguson on Twitter @bydanaferguson

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