SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah – Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill believes that Utah will soon face lawsuits in wake of a bill banning transgender girls from playing girls’ sports. The bill would make it so transgender children must upload their birth certificate to play high school sports. If there are discrepancies in birth gender and gender-designated sport, the athlete’s eligibility is then up to a commission. 

On Tuesday, Gov. Spencer Cox vetoed this bill. Only moments after, Utah lawmakers called for a special session to override the veto by the governor. This special session will be hosted on Friday, March 25.

Gill was uncertain of the motives or end result to come from this bill. He warned of potential lawsuits, economic revenue loss, and unnecessary use of taxpayer dollars. The Utah High School Activities Association is worried about footing the bill of any impending lawsuits. Gill even believes that the NBA may choose to move the All-Star Game out of Salt Lake City in 2023.

“I think the most important question is, what is this legislation trying to address?” asked Gill. “Let children be children, let kids be kids, and look at the numbers. Look at the cruelty being inflicted on children who are in crisis. Big government should not have a role to play in these kind of family decisions. It’s bad policy for those families, it’s a waste of taxpayer money, and it is bad policy for Utah.” 

Cox said he plans to talk with the lawmakers if they choose to override his veto. In the case of this event, Cox will try to change parts of sections within the bill. With these changes, Cox is aiming to avoid the bankrupting of local schools and the athletic association.

Becky Bruce contributed to this report.

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