ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Senate has shot down a move to restrict transgender students’ access to school restrooms and locker rooms.

That policy is part of the GOP-led House’s education plan. Republican supporters in both chambers say all students will be safer if group locker rooms, showers and bathrooms designated for one sex can’t be used by the other.

But Democrats in control of the Senate say the proposal would allow discrimination against transgender students. They argue students should be allowed to mix with the gender they identify with.

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The measure failed in the Senate 25-40 on Wednesday.

Three Republicans joined Democrats to vote it down, and one Democrat supported the restrictions. Two senators didn’t vote. House and Senate lawmakers will work out policy differences in the coming weeks.

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