ATLANTA, GA — The Georgia Senate votes to advance a bill that bans transgender athletes from girls sports.

In a vigorous debate that lasted two hours, senators went back and forth over supporting the measure to require students play on teams that match their biological gender.

The law which also requires separate changing facilities and bathrooms for male and female athletes applies to all public schools including colleges and universities.

Bill sponsor Republican Senator Greg Dolezal says this is a significant win for the Senate.

Two Democrats joined Republicans to vote in favor of the bill.

The measure now goes to the House.