A Tennessee House panel has revived a bill that would require public school students to use restrooms of their biological sex.
The vote came despite concerns that the state could lose federal education funding if the bill becomes law.
The Tennessee House also passed a bill that would allow counselors to turn away patients based on their religious and personal beliefs.
The state Senate still has to approve an amendment adopted by the House.
Critics say the measure allows therapists to discriminate, but supporters say it protects the rights of everyone, including therapists.
"We are standing up for everyone's right when we vote for this bill," Rep. Matthew Hill, R-Jonesborough, told members before the vote.
The bill would not allow counselors to turn away people who are in imminent danger of harming themselves or others.
Meanwhile, major businesses like Coca Cola, Delta, Disney, and the NFL are protesting similar measures in other states.
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