Apr 28, 2021 - Politics & Policy

West Virginia governor signs bill restricting trans athletes

West Virginia Governor Jim Justiceat the Big Sandy Superstore Arena on August 3, 2017 in Huntington, West Virginia.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice. Photo: Justin Merriman/Getty Images

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) on Wednesday signed into law a bill that bans female transgender athletes from participating in sports that align with their gender identity in public middle schools, high schools and colleges.

The big picture: The ACLU issued a statement saying it intends to take legal action over the move. The bill passed in the state Senate in an 18-15 vote earlier this month. It's the eighth Republican-backed bill signed this year targeting trans youth. A record 89 bills have been introduced so far in 2021 targeting trans youth as of April 20, per ACLU.

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