State of North Dakota secondary Archives: on Civil Rights
Doug Burgum:
Gay marriage is ok, but not running on social issues
Very few southwest North Dakotans pushed them on Burgum's social leanings -- both he and Stenehjem are on record supporting gay marriage and have been quiet on most other social issues -- and said he
saw this as a sign of what voters are truly concerned about."We're not running on social issues,"
Burgum said. "We're running because we believe we can get conservative business leaders into the office -- people who can help set the state on the right track, relative to our fiscal things.
It (social issues) doesn't come up. We don't talk about it and they don't bring it up, because I don't think it's the thing that's leading on voter's minds right now."
Source: Dickinson Press on 2016 North Dakota gubernatorial race
Apr 20, 2016
Doug Burgum:
No discrimination because of sexual orientation
Q: Would you support discrimination protections for LGBT citizens?Nelson: Yes.
Stenehjem: I do support extending anti-discrimination protections for the LBGT community in housing and employment. One thing that will be necessary
is to establish that discrimination in that area is a problem that needs to be addressed. No one should have to worry about finding a job or a place to live because of their sexual orientation.
But these protections must also be accompanied by protections for religious freedom, especially as it relates to small business.
Burgum: As with any legislation, the specific language is very important.
I believe no one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation and would want to work with the legislature to appropriately address this issue.
Source: Grand Forks Herald on 2016 North Dakota Gubernatorial debate
Jun 25, 2016
Doug Burgum:
Fly flags of ND tribal nations at Governor's Office
We've expanded opportunities for communication, collaboration, and meaningful engagement with each of the sovereign tribal nations within our borders. Our Indian Affairs Commission hosted two well-attended conferences this
past year on strengthening government to government relationships and partnerships--bringing together tribal leaders--federal--state--and local officials.
As we continue to engage with the tribes in discussions about priorities, we will do so with mutual respect and the understanding that we are all North Dakotans. In that spirit of mutual respect, we're honored to announce that the
Governor's Office will begin to display the flags of the five tribal nations with whom we share geography--alongside our state and national flags--outside of the Governor's Office in Memorial Hall.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to North Dakota Legislature
Jan 3, 2019
Doug Burgum:
Repeal Sunday morning shopping ban
North Dakota's Republican-led Legislature repealed the nation's toughest Sunday business restrictions--rules that are rooted in religious tradition and that have been in place since statehood.
Senators voted 25-21 on the House bill repealing the ban on Sunday morning shopping. Republican Gov. Doug Burgum has supported the repeal and is expected to sign the bill.
Source: Associated Press on 2020 North Dakota gubernatorial race
Mar 19, 2019
Dustin Peyer:
Lead fight against discrimination by sexual orientation
Peyer will be a Co-Sponsor and vocal supporter to expand the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other anti-discrimination laws to include protections for sexual orientation and gender identity. Discrimination in any form should not be tolerated.
It's very disturbing to me when elected officials do not stand for all citizens. I will help any group or organization update the ND constitution regarding marriage, sexual orientation, and other issues that need to be addressed.
Source: 2018 North Dakota Senatorial website PeyerForSenate.org
Oct 1, 2017
Eliot Glassheim:
Supports same-sex marriage
Q: Do you support same-sex marriage?
A: Yes.
Source: VoteSmart 2016 North Dakota Political Courage Test
Aug 8, 2016
Kelly Armstrong:
Don't add sexual orientation to definition of discrimination
N.D. Legislative voting records for S.B. 2279 Sen.Armstrong voted NAY:- ADDED "sexual orientation" to the definition of state policy against discrimination: "It is the policy of this state to prohibit discrimination on the basis of
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, the presence of any mental or physical disability, or sexual orientation This status applies to employment relations, public accommodations, housing, state and local government services,
and credit transactions.
- DEFINES "sexual orientation" as actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality, or gender identity.
- DEFINES "gender identity" means actual or perceived gender-related identity, appearance, or mannerisms,
or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, regardless of the individual's designated gender at birth.
Legislative Outcome:- Senate vote 25-22-0 on Feb. 17
- House vote 35-56-3 on April 2, 2015 (bill failed)
Source: North Dakota Legislative voting records for S.B. 2279
Feb 17, 2015
Kelly Armstrong:
Gender neutral terms in state laws, for same-sex marriages
North Dakota's Republican-led Senate rejected a measure that would have changed state law to reflect the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that same-sex couples have the right to marry. The bill failed 15-31. North Dakota law lists "one man, one woman"
or "husband and wife" for everything from marriages and divorces to fishing licenses [The proposed legislation changes those terms to gender-neutral "person" and "spouse"].The Supreme Court in 2015 declared that same-sex couples have the right to
marry nationwide, and a federal judge ruled shortly afterward that North Dakota's ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional.
GOP Sen. Kelly Armstrong said rejecting the measure is only symbolic since same-sex marriage is now legal nationwide. "I
think it's a pretty drastic over-estimation that we would end up in litigation if we don't pass this bill," Armstrong said.
Legislative Outcome: Bill Failed Senate, 15-31-1, Jan. 10, 2017 ; Sen. Kelly Armstrong voted YEA.
Source: Billings Gazette on North Dakota voting record: SB 2043
Jan 10, 2017
Kevin Cramer:
Marriage is defined in Scripture
Q: Do you support same-sex marriage?A: Marriage is defined in Scripture and tradition.
Its definition is not subject to politicians.
Source: North Dakota Congressional 2012 Political Courage Test
Oct 30, 2012
Marvin Nelson:
Supports Equal Pay for Equal Work
"A future where women get equal pay for equal work,"
posted Nelson.
Source: Facebook post on 2016 North Dakota gubernatorial race
May 13, 2016
Michael Coachman:
Nurture strong marriages of one man and one woman
Traditional American families should be encouraged and supported by policies to nurture strong marriages consisting of one man and one woman, to support moral values,
and to create, control and maintain their individual wealth with minimal interference from government.
Source: 2020 North Dakota gubernatorial campaign website
Mar 25, 2020
Rick Becker:
Add "sexual orientation" to definition of discrimination
N.D. Legislative voting records for S.B. 2279 Rep. Rick Becker voted YEA:- ADDED "sexual orientation" to the definition of state policy against discrimination: "It is the policy of this state to prohibit discrimination on the basis of
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, the presence of any mental or physical disability, or sexual orientation This status applies to employment relations, public accommodations, housing, state and local government services,
and credit transactions.
- DEFINES "sexual orientation" as actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality, or gender identity.
- DEFINES "gender identity" means actual or perceived gender-related identity, appearance, or mannerisms,
or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, regardless of the individual's designated gender at birth.
Legislative Outcome:- Senate vote 25-22-0 on Feb. 17
- House vote 35-56-3 on April 2, 2015 (bill failed)
Source: North Dakota Legislative voting records for S.B. 2279
Apr 2, 2015
Robert Marquette:
Oppose legislation negatively impacting LGBT community
Issues listed on Marquette's website include auditing the Federal Reserve, strengthening gun rights and opposing legislation
that would negatively impact the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Source: Bismarck Tribune on 2016 North Dakota Senate race
Feb 22, 2016
Thomas Campbell:
Voted NO on "sexual orientation" in defining discrimination
N.D. Legislative voting records for S.B. 2279 Sen. Campbell voted NAY:- ADDED "sexual orientation" to the definition of state policy against discrimination: "It is the policy of this state to prohibit discrimination on the basis of
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, the presence of any mental or physical disability, or sexual orientation This status applies to employment relations, public accommodations, housing, state and local government services,
and credit transactions.
- DEFINES "sexual orientation" as actual or perceived heterosexuality, bisexuality, homosexuality, or gender identity.
- DEFINES "gender identity" means actual or perceived gender-related identity, appearance, or mannerisms,
or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, regardless of the individual's designated gender at birth.
Legislative Outcome:- Senate vote 25-22-0 on Feb. 17
- House vote 35-56-3 on April 2, 2015 (bill failed)
Source: North Dakota Legislative voting records for S.B. 2279
Apr 2, 2015
Thomas Campbell:
No gender neutral terms in state laws; keep husband/wife
North Dakota's Republican-led Senate rejected a measure that would have changed state law to reflect the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that same-sex couples have the right to marry. The bill failed 15-31. North Dakota law lists "one man, one woman"
or "husband and wife" for everything from marriages and divorces to fishing licenses [The proposed legislation changes those terms to gender-neutral "person" and "spouse"].The Supreme Court in 2015 declared that same-sex couples have the right to
marry nationwide, and a federal judge ruled shortly afterward that North Dakota's ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional.
GOP Sen. Kelly Armstrong said rejecting the measure is only symbolic since same-sex marriage is now legal nationwide. "I
think it's a pretty drastic over-estimation that we would end up in litigation if we don't pass this bill," Armstrong said.
Legislative Outcome: Bill Failed Senate, 15-31-1, Jan. 10, 2017 ;Sen. Thomas Campbell voted NAY.
Source: Billings Gazette on North Dakota voting record: SB 2043
Jan 10, 2017
Tracy Potter:
Prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation
Sen. Potter voted YES on SB 2278. The bill passed the Senate 27-19.Project Vote Smart's Synopsis: Vote to add sexual orientation, which includes gender identity, to the list of characteristics in which discrimination is prohibited with respect to
employment, credit, housing, insurance, and public accommodations and services, with exemptions being granted to religious organizations. Defines "sexual orientation" as an actual or perceived homosexuality, bisexuality, or gender identity.
Source: North Dakota Legislative voting records
Feb 18, 2009
Tracy Potter:
Repeal Cohabitation Law: unmarried couples can live together
Sponsored SB 2138: Vote to pass a bill that repeals North Dakota's cohabitation laws but makes it a misdemeanor for an unmarried couple to represent themselves as married. Highlights: - Changes the existing law so that living with a person of
the opposite sex is no longer considered a sex crime.
- Makes it a misdemeanor to represent oneself as married to a person of the opposite sex when unmarried.
- Passed Senate 35-10, passed House 48-41; Governor Passage: 4/27/2007
Source: North Dakota voting records (VoteSmart Synopsis)
Jan 4, 2007
Tracy Potter:
No job discrimination by sexual orientation/gender identity
Voted YES on SB 2278: to pass a bill that adds sexual orientation, which includes gender identity, to the list of characteristics in which discrimination is prohibited with respect to employment, credit, housing, insurance, and public accommodations
and services, with exemptions being granted to religious organizations. Highlights: - Defines "sexual orientation" as an actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or gender identity.
- Defines "gender identity" as an actual or
perceived gender-related identity, appearance, mannerism, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, regardless of the individual's designated gender at birth.
- Authorizes religious organizations to establish qualifications and
hiring criteria requiring individuals be a member of that religion and adhere to that religion's tenets. However, it is specified that discrimination is prohibited in nonreligious positions.
Source: North Dakota voting records (VoteSmart Synopsis)
Feb 18, 2009
Wayne Stenehjem:
No same-sex marriage; no hate-crime laws for gays
Q: Do you believe that the North Dakota government should recognize same-sex marriages?A: No.
Q: Do you believe that sexual orientation should be added to North Dakota's anti-discrimination laws?
A: No.
Source: 1996 North Dakota National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Wayne Stenehjem:
LGBT protection in housing & jobs, but religious freedom too
Q: Would you support discrimination protections for LGBT citizens?Nelson: Yes.
Stenehjem: I do support extending anti-discrimination protections for the LBGT community in housing and employment. One thing that will be necessary
is to establish that discrimination in that area is a problem that needs to be addressed. No one should have to worry about finding a job or a place to live because of their sexual orientation.
But these protections must also be accompanied by protections for religious freedom, especially as it relates to small business.
Burgum: As with any legislation, the specific language is very important.
I believe no one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation and would want to work with the legislature to appropriately address this issue.
Source: Grand Forks Herald on 2016 North Dakota Gubernatorial debate
Jun 25, 2016
Merrill Piepkorn:
Would have vetoed anti-transgender legislation
Piepkorn also said that Burgum should have vetoed several bills targeting LGBTQ North Dakotans during the 2023 legislative session. Burgum signed a handful of bills related to transgender people, including measures that criminalize gender-affirming care
for minors, prevent transgender people from using bathrooms that align with their gender identities in schools and some state-owned living facilities, and that forbid transgender girls and women from playing in female K-12 and college sports.
Source: KFGO 790AM on 2024 North Dakota Gubernatorial race
May 22, 2024
Merrill Piepkorn:
Gender neutral terms in state laws, for same-sex marriages
North Dakota's Republican-led Senate rejected a measure that would have changed state law to reflect the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that same-sex couples have the right to marry. The bill failed 15-31. North Dakota law lists "one man, one woman"
or "husband and wife" for everything from marriages and divorces to fishing licenses [The proposed legislation changes those terms to gender-neutral "person" and "spouse"].The Supreme Court in 2015 declared that same-sex couples have the right
to marry nationwide, and a federal judge ruled shortly afterward that North Dakota's ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional.
GOP Sen. Kelly Armstrong said rejecting the measure is only symbolic since same-sex marriage is now legal
nationwide. "I think it's a pretty drastic over-estimation that we would end up in litigation if we don't pass this bill," Armstrong said.
Legislative Outcome: Bill Failed Senate, 15-31-1, Jan. 10, 2017; Sen. Merrill Piepkorn voted YEA.
Source: Billings Gazette on North Dakota voting record: SB 2043
Jan 10, 2017
Rick Becker:
I don't believe in women's rights, gay rights--all the same
Becker visited North Dakota State on Thursday to partake in a meet-and-greet event put on by the Young Americans for Liberty. "There's not a different plan for a section of the population. For instance, I don't believe in women's rights, gay rights,
students' rights, so-and-so rights. It doesn't matter," he said. "They're all the same. We're all equally treated. There should be a very low income tax for everyone."
Source: The Spectrum (NDSU) on 2022 North Dakota Senate race
Jul 19, 2021
Heidi Heitkamp:
Savanna's Act: solve crimes against Native Americans
President Donald Trump signed a bill named for a Fargo murder victim to address cases of missing and murdered Native Americans. Savanna's Act, named for Savanna Greywind, was introduced by former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (ND) last Congress and was
reintroduced by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (AK) in the current Congress.The law is meant to help police track, solve and prevent crimes against Native Americans. It directs the Departments of Justice and Interior to consult with American Indian tribes while
developing national law enforcement guidelines.
The 22-year-old pregnant Greywind was murdered in 2017 and her unborn baby was cut from her body. Her remains were found in the Red River north of Fargo. Two people are in prison for her death. Her
infant survived.
"Savanna's life was lost far too early," North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer said. "I hope this legislation serves as a remembrance of her story and prevents other tragedies from occurring."
Source: Great Falls Tribune on 2018 North Dakota Senate race
Oct 13, 2020
Kevin Cramer:
Savanna's Act: solve crimes against Native Americans
President Donald Trump signed a bill named for a Fargo murder victim to address cases of missing and murdered Native Americans. Savanna's Act, named for Savanna Greywind, was introduced by former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (ND) last Congress and was
reintroduced by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (AK) in the current Congress.The law is meant to help police track, solve and prevent crimes against Native Americans. It directs the Departments of Justice and Interior to consult with American Indian tribes while
developing national law enforcement guidelines.
The 22-year-old pregnant Greywind was murdered in 2017 and her unborn baby was cut from her body. Her remains were found in the Red River north of Fargo. Two people are in prison for her death. Her
infant survived.
"Savanna's life was lost far too early," North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer said. "I hope this legislation serves as a remembrance of her story and prevents other tragedies from occurring."
Source: Great Falls Tribune on 2024 North Dakota Senate race
Oct 13, 2020
Kelly Armstrong:
Supported legislation targeting LGBTQ youth
When two Republican candidates for governor--Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller and U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong--squared off in a debate, they appeared to agree more often than not. Miller and Armstrong were also both supportive of North Dakota's abortion ban,
as well as a spate of recent legislation targeting LGBTQ youth--including a law forbidding transgender girls and women from competing in female sports in K-12 and college, and another banning transgender minors from receiving gender-affirming care.
Source: North Dakota Monitor on 2024 North Dakota Governor debate
Apr 23, 2024
Kevin Cramer:
Urged NCAA to ban transgender athletes from women's sports
22 U.S. Senators sent a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker urging him to update its student-athlete policy to ban transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. The senators wrote: "Amid the Biden-Harris administration's unprecedented
assault on Title IX, we write to urge the National Collegiate Athletic Association to update your student-athlete participation policy to require that only biologically female students participate in women's sports."The NCAA updated its policy in
2022 on transgender athletes, aligning itself with Olympic standard. The NCAA requires transgender athletes to give documentation that meets sports standards for testosterone levels at three points in time:
- Prior to any competition during the
regular season;
- Prior to the first competition in an NCAA championship event; and
- Prior to any competition in the non-championship segment.
A CNN report estimates there are fewer than 40 transgender athletes among more than 500,000 athletes.
Source: CBS-2-Iowa's Tyler Downey on 2026 North Dakota Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 06, 2026