North Dakota Senate passes bills regulating gender, public mask use

The North Dakota Senate has passed several controversial bills concerning identity and public behavior. House Bill 1181 defines gender as an individual's biological sex, which supporters argue provides clarity, but opponents claim it disregards transgender identities and could harm their mental health. Additionally, House Bill 1144 prohibits K-12 schools from having all-gender bathrooms, imposing fines for non-compliance, further restricting access for transgender students. Meanwhile, House Bill 1226 seeks to criminalize wearing masks in public gatherings to conceal identity, a move critics argue could stifle free expression and civic engagement. These legislative actions have sparked significant public debate, particularly regarding their implications for civil rights and individual freedoms. Each bill reflects broader national conversations about identity, public safety, and the rights of marginalized groups.