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VA Lawmakers Kill Transgender School Bathroom Bill

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RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A legislative panel has killed a bill that would have required students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their biological sex.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch reports that the bill died Tuesday with an 8-13 vote in a House subcommittee.

It sought to require school boards to adopt policies ensuring that restrooms and locker rooms are "only used by students based on their biological sex."

Republican Del. Mark Cole it was designed to protect students' privacy. But opponents said transgender people should be allowed to use the bathroom of their choice.

A transgender student in Gloucester who was born female sued after his school board barred him from using the boy's restrooms. A judge ruled against him in September and his case is being considered by a federal appeals court.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.