"Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin defends his administration's trans policies, which require students
Published: 09-10-2022 15:35
On Wednesday, Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin defended his administration's trans policies, which require students to use bathrooms and join sports teams based on their biological sex.
"We're not going to allow boys to compete in girls' sports," Youngkin said during a press conference. "We're not going to have boys in girls' locker rooms."
The governor's comments come after the Virginia Department of Education released guidance last week informing schools that they must comply with state law, which requires students to use facilities and participate in sports based on their "biological sex."
The guidance has sparked outrage among many Democrats and LGBTQ advocates, who argue that it discriminates against transgender students.
"This is a heartbreaking day for transgender Virginians," Equality Virginia Executive Director Vee Lamppu said in a statement. "Governor Northam ran on a platform of inclusion and respect for all Virginians, but this decision shows he is more interested in pandering to the far-right wing of his party than he is in upholding the values he ran on."
Youngkin, however, said that the policy is necessary to protect the "privacy and dignity" of all students.
"Every student deserves to feel safe and respected at school," he said. "Our administration is committed to ensuring that every student in Virginia has access to a quality education in an environment free from discrimination."
