South Dakota lawmakers, in the final days of the session, passed a bill (House Bill 1217) barring transgender girls and women from participating in female sports leagues.

Governor Kristi Noem says the bill is about protecting women in sports…

On Monday– which was International Women’s Day– Noem posted a message on her Twitter account saying she is “excited to sign this bill very soon.” At a news conference she said she’s reviewing the bill..

Similar legislation passed during Governor Dennis Daugaard’s tenure and he ultimately vetoed the bill after meeting with transgender advocates. Currently, Noem says she doesn’t have a similar meeting on her schedule…

The ACLU of South Dakota, South Dakota High School Activities Association, the Sioux Falls Sports Authority, the South Dakota Board of Regents, the School Administrators of South Dakota and The Transformation Project all opposed the bill.

If signed by Noem, whether HB1217 ultimately takes effect in the state will likely be decided in federal court.