ATLANTA (AP) - A House committee has approved a bill preventing state-funded high schools from joining athletic associations that don't allow athletes to wear clothing expressing religious beliefs.
The measure approved Wednesday by the Education committee is a swipe at the Georgia High School Association. Several lawmakers cited a high school runner disqualified from a GHSA event this fall. He was wearing a headband with a Bible verse written on it.
The organization has said the student was disqualified because all athletes must be in uniform, with no other adornments, under national athletic association rules.
The Senate's Education committee heard testimony on a similar bill but didn't vote on Wednesday.
The House bill now goes to that chamber's Rules committee, responsible for determining which bills receive a floor vote.
