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WI among states suing over transgender directive

Posted at 1:57 PM, May 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-25 15:32:07-04

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin is joining a multi-state lawsuit against the Obama administration over its directive to U.S. public schools to let transgender students use the bathrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identity.

The lawsuit was announced by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and filed in federal court in Texas on Wednesday.

Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel says he decided to join the lawsuit after discussing it with fellow Republican Gov. Scott Walker. Schimel calls the Obama administration directive a "power grab" that won't be tolerated in Wisconsin.

Supporters of transgender rights applauded Obama's move and say those who oppose it are discriminating against them.

A bill seeking to ban transgender people from certain restrooms in Wisconsin schools died in the Legislature last session, but its Republican sponsor vows to bring it back.