(image via Depositphotos)
Without his support, Utah is unlikely to join the 11 states, all Republican-led, that have recently enacted bans on transgender girls wanting to compete in school sports leagues that correspond with their gender identity.
The governor had for months engaged in behind-the-scenes negotiations to broker a compromise between LGBTQ advocates and social conservatives.
After throwing his support behind a proposal to create a first-of-its-kind commission of experts in Utah to make decisions on individual transgender student-athletes aiming to participate, Cox said he was stunned on Friday night as lawmakers advanced and ultimately passed an amended proposal that included an outright ban on transgender student-athletes competing in girls leagues.
We commend Gov. @SpencerJCox for pledging to veto anti-transgender sports ban passed by the Utah legislature. Thank you, governor for standing up for transgender kids. https://t.co/GAILoH3IGs
— Human Rights Campaign (@HRC) March 5, 2022
In his announcement regarding vetoing the bill, Cox said he has a message for trans student athletes: “I just want them to know that it’s gonna be okay. We’re gonna work through this.” Related: Idaho Governor Signs Two Anti-Transgender Bills Into Law Prior to 2020, no state had approved any law pertaining to transgender kids participating in youth sports. However, 11 states have since passed laws prohibiting trans girls from participating in leagues corresponding with their gender identity — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.
Last night was a roller coaster of emotion. We are incredibly grateful to the Governor for defending transgender children and vetoing HB11. Today, Utah is a safer place for LGBTQ youth. #utpol #utleg #hb11 #transrights #LGBTQ #equalityutah pic.twitter.com/XGzdLyXKA8
— Equality Utah (@EqualityUtah) March 5, 2022
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