JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) – Missouri’s Republican legislative leaders and more than 100 others say they oppose the Obama administration’s directive on transgender student bathroom access.

Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder first sent a letter opposing the guidance that public schools allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identity.

Kinder on Thursday announced Republican Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard and GOP House Speaker Todd Richardson are joining him.

More than 100 other lawmakers also signed on to Kinder’s letter to Democratic President Barack Obama. No Missouri Democrats signed on.

The letter says the administration is seizing local control and putting students’ privacy at risk.
The directive prompted 11 states to sue the Obama administration. Missouri hasn’t joined.
Kinder is running for governor. He faces a four-way GOP primary Aug. 2.