Richmond, Virginia—Trans kids and their families are breathing a sigh of relief today after members of a Senate Education and Health subcommittee voted down bills that discriminate against trans kids. SB37, sponsored by Senator John McGuire, would force teachers and guidance counselors to out students to their parents, potentially creating an unsafe home environment for their students. SB68, sponsored by Senator Mark Peake, and SB 723, sponsored by Senator Tammy Brankley Mulchi, would bar trans kids from playing sports at school. We’re thrilled that trans kids can go to school and play sports without being worried about who knows their gender identity and if that puts them in danger. 

“We’re grateful to the members of the Senate Education and Health Subcommittee on Public Education today who voted down SB37 and SB68. These bills amount to bullying trans kids, who already face enough discrimination,” LaTwyla Mathias, Executive Director at Progress Virginia, said. “All kids should feel safe at school and at home, regardless of their gender identity. We need to pass bills that make it easier for them to be their authentic selves, not harder, and we will keep fighting to ensure that every child, regardless of gender identity, has the opportunity to thrive.”