If Fred Deutsch had a nickel for every accusation of bigotry, discrimination and transphobia that’s been leveled his way, the Florence Republican still might not be the richest man in South Dakota.

But the long-time lawmaker who has the distinction of being the first to carry legislation in the state Capitol aimed at regulating transgender policy in South Dakota law would admittedly be wealthier than he is today.

“I’ve taken more arrows than just about anybody,” Deutsch told The Dakota Scout while reflecting on the seven years that passed between his first-term as a lawmaker and the passage of House Bill 1080 earlier this month, legislation prohibiting what’s known as gender-affirming treatment on minors in South Dakota.

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