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Federal judge rules against transgender bathroom policy

A federal judge ruled the Obama administration failed to allow for public input when it told schools to let transgender students use the bathroom and locker room of their choice.

The ruling is a victory for 13 states that were challenging the constitutionality of the policy, including Georgia. %

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“For decades we've been fine with facilities based on biological sex. Boys in boys’ locker rooms, girls in girls’ locker rooms. There is really no reason to engage in widespread dramatic and radical changes,” said Travis Weber with the Family Research Council.

In May, the Justice and Education departments issued new directives requiring public schools to provide transgender students with “equal access, not limiting them to facilities matching their gender at birth.”

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Groups supporting transgender rights said this ruling could put students at risk just as they prepare to return for the new school year.

“When a transgendered person enters a bathroom, that person is going to go to the bathroom just like everyone else,” said Richard Katskee with Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

The White House says the directive is not legally binding

“I recognize that there are people eager to play politics with an issue like this just a few months before a national election,” White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said.

The Justice Department is reviewing its options. A spokeswoman told Channel 2 Action News they are disappointed in the judge's ruling.

The ruling does not prohibit schools that already allow transgender students to use the facilities of their choice from continuing to do so.