In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, the Virginia House Education Committee approved two anti-transgender bills on Friday. The bills, House Bill 1387 and House Bill 2432, were introduced by state Del. Karen Greenhalgh (R-Virginia Beach) and state Del. Dave LaRock (R-Loudoun County) respectively.
House Bill 1387 would prevent transgender athletes from participating in school sports teams that align with their gender identity. House Bill 2432, on the other hand, would mandate that school personnel out trans students to their parents. The bills were previously approved by a House subcommittee earlier this week.
Despite being passed by the House of Delegates, which is currently controlled by Republicans with a 51-47 margin, it is likely that the two bills will meet their demise in the Virginia Senate. Democrats currently hold a 22-18 majority in the Senate, and the Senate Education Committee killed six anti-trans bills just one day prior to the House’s approval of the two aforementioned bills.