Republicans have again jeopardized the rights of veterans in South Dakota, according to Ben Nesselhuf, Chairman of the South Dakota Democratic Party.

“Senate Republicans asked on the Senate floor yesterday whether a bill to protect veterans from discrimination was ‘really necessary,’” Nesselhuf explained.

“Protecting the men and women of South Dakota who bravely serve our country is not only a necessity but a priority. Senate Republicans denied South Dakota’s veterans the dignity this bill affords them.”

Senate Bill 161, sponsored by Senator Angie Buhl (D-Sioux Falls), would have clarified existing non-discrimination statutes in South Dakota to include consideration of veterans and military status. Senate Republicans killed the bill on the Senate floor yesterday on a vote of nine to twenty-four.

“Republicans have gone on assault against veterans in SD – first, in an effort to deprive them off essential services provided by County Veteran Service Officers, and now to deny them equal protection under state law,” Nesselhuf concluded.

“Our veterans provided unquestionable support to our country in our times of need. Republican legislators refuse to do the same for our service members in theirs.”