NASHVILLE (AP) - Religious conservatives are urging Tennessee lawmakers to ignore what they say are "false prophesies of economic doom and gloom" and to stand strong in the face of opposition to a transgender bathroom bill.

A religious coalition led by the Family Action Council of Tennessee and about 30 ministers from around the state came to Legislative Plaza Monday to tell lawmakers to have courage despite threats of economic boycotts and questions about the costs of the bill.

Under the measure, students in public schools and universities would be required to use bathrooms and locker rooms that match their gender at birth.

Supporters say it protects student privacy.

The leaders of 60 businesses signed a letter last week that called the proposal discriminatory and urged lawmakers to reject it.