Manchin questions impact of transgender rights bill on local schools

A key Democrat announced Monday he opposes legislation to add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected categories under the Civil Rights Act.

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said that West Virginia officials have warned him away from backing the bill, the Equality Act, which would appear to allow students the right to use bathroom facilities and locker rooms based on their gender identity.

"I am not convinced that the Equality Act as written provides sufficient guidance to the local officials who will be responsible for implementing it, particularly with respect to students transitioning between genders in public schools,” Manchin said in a statement.

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