'Not acceptable:' Virginia state senators divided on policies for transgenders in schools
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Virginia lawmakers voted in 2020 to create model policies for transgender students in elementary and secondary schools.
The Senate passed the bill on Jan. 21 last year with 23 votes yes and 16 votes no. On Feb. 19, the House voted 60 in favor, 39 against.
The Virginia Department of Education modified the policies to be more inclusive for the transgender community.
While some Virginia State Senators see these policies as a move in the right direction towards equality and inclusion, others are calling it a radical proposal.
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Republican State Senator Steve Newman has been very vocal on social media about the dangers he believes the transgender policies will have on students.
"It's important to know that we can fix this problem," Newman said. "We can love on children of all natures without having a radical left-wing policy that's intended to open up the restrooms and open up the locker rooms to the opposite sex."
He believes there are alternative routes.
"If someone needs a special location, then I think most school divisions would be prepared to deal with that," Newman said.
Democratic Senator Barbara Favola says she was startled by a recent state study.
"77% of LGBTQ students felt depression, they felt isolation, they felt they were bullied and that's just not acceptable," Favola said.
She sees these policies as a progressive move for the LGBTQ+ community.
"We're promoting the value of equality, and we're saying we need to treat each other with respect and dignity," Favola said.
ABC13 reached out several times to the Democratic lawmakers who represent our area. Each one said they were either unavailable or had no comment at this time.
