A Virginia Republican lawmaker has introduced legislation that would require students to use the bathroom that corresponds with their “anatomical sex,” which would prevent transgender students from using the restroom that corresponds with their gender identification, according to the Washington Post.
Del. Mark L. Cole (R), the lawmaker who sponsored the bill, said in a statement that the legislation would “protect the privacy of children and adults,” according to the Washington Post.
“Schools have been sued for not allowing males to use female restrooms, and this legislation is intended to adopt a clear policy and to pre-empt further suits,” Cole said.
The bill applies to all public restrooms and school locker rooms and would fine people up to $50 for using the wrong bathroom. The legislation does say that schools can allow students to use a single unisex bathroom upon request.
Numerous state lawmakers have introduced similar bills. Legislation proposed in Indiana would make it a crime for transgender individuals to use a bathroom that does not correspond to their gender at birth.