A politician has defended a bill which could require teenagers to have their genitals ‘checked’ to ensure they correspond to the bathroom they are using.

The bill, put forward by Representative Mark Cole in the state of Virginia, would also fine transgender students $50, if they use the ‘wrong’ bathroom, locker room or shower.

House Bill 663, would also require school boards and staff to put in place practices to ensure all gendered facilities were only used only by one specific gender.

It specificies: “To solely be used by individuals whose anatomical sex matches such gender designation.”

Going on, the bill defines the term ‘anatomical sex’ as: “The physical condition of being male or female, which is determined by a person’s anatomy.”

Many were quick to point out, given the bill’s vague definitions, that this could easily be interpreted as meaning school staff would have to examine the genitals of everyone using every facility, to ensure that the stipulations of the bill are met.

Cole denied that genital checks would be necessary, defending the bill, he said: “It is common sense legislation designed to protect the privacy of children and adults, and was requested by a group of parents in my district who are concerned about a male student who wanted to use the girls facilities.

“Contrary to what has been said about the legislation, it does NOT require genital checks. That is a lie started by those who want to make all facilities, including school restrooms, dressing rooms, and showers, ‘gender neutral.’ The legislation would be enforced on a complaint basis. If needed, gender could be verified by looking up student registration information or a birth certificate.”

Another politician in the US last year proposed that trans teenagers have their genitals ‘examined’ before sporting events.

Roger Hunt, a Republican legislator in the US state of South Dakota, proposed the legislation.

It would require a visual inspection of transgender athletes’ genitals before competing, as well as a check of the athlete’s “original birth certificate”.