ALL NEWS

Gov. Cox signals he won’t sign bill barring transgender girls from female sports without some changes

Feb 18, 2021, 2:26 PM

Governor Spencer Cox - Utah vaccination rates...

FILE: Gov. Spencer Cox speaks at a COVID-19 briefing at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. Photo: Jeffrey Allred, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY — Despite its passage through the Utah House of Representatives, a controversial bill that would bar transgender girls from playing in female sports may not make its way into law without some changes. Gov. Spencer Cox, who is the last stop in a bill’s journey to becoming law, said Thursday he would not sign the legislation as-is. 

Instead, it needs some changes before he grants approval. 

“I’m not in a place yet where I’m comfortable with the bill as it stands right now,” Cox said during his monthly news conference with PBS Utah. “Those discussions are ongoing. We still have a lot of work to do.”

Utah bill would bar transgender girls from female sports

HB302, which passed through the House Wednesday, would require schools to label athletic activities in one of three ways: “male” or “boys”; “female” or “girls”; or as “coed” or “mixed.” Participation would be based on “the biological, physical condition of being male or female, determined by an individual’s genetics and anatomy at birth.” 

Schools that choose not to comply could be faced with legal consequences, according to the legislation. This prompted concerns among some legal experts, arguing the law would not be upheld in the Supreme Court. 

Opponents argue the bill would further isolate LGBTQ+ youth in Utah, who may already feel discriminated against in the more conservative state. Cox agreed, offering an emotional response to the legislation during the PBS Utah conference. 

“These kids are … they’re just trying to stay alive,” Cox said, tearing up. “There’s a reason none of them are playing sports … I just think there’s a better way. And I hope that there will be enough grace in our state to find a better solution.”

Gov. Cox offers support after years of evolving views

The governor’s reaction comes after years of evolving views on LGBTQ issues. 

After the deadly shooting at an Orlando nightclub in 2016, Cox gave a speech urging acceptance of those who are of different identities. He acknowledged he hasn’t always been accepting, recalling memories from his childhood where he bullied classmates he later found out were gay. 

“I regret not treating them with the kindness, dignity and respect, the love that they deserved,” Cox said in his 2016 speech. “For that, I sincerely and humbly apologize.”

Cox reflected on this speech years later during his campaign for governor last summer, noting the state had made much progress. However, he acknowledged Republicans “haven’t done a great job of being inclusive and broadening the tent but some of us are trying really hard.”

HB302, titled “Preserving Sports for Female Students,” is among the most controversial bills making its way through the Utah Legislature this session. 

After a heated debate Wednesday, the bill passed the House and is on its way to the Senate for consideration. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

All News

A n3-year degree may be an option...

Amie Schaeffer

Utah students could soon earn bachelor’s degree in 3 years

College students may be able to graduate with a bachelors degree in three years in some industries.

47 minutes ago

Rain and snow expected Easter...

Adam Small

More rain and snow on it’s way for Easter

More rain and snow is headed to Utah on Thursday, and the wet weather is expected to hang around through Easter.

2 hours ago

Rep Phil Lyman shown, lyman dei comments came under scrutiny...

Emma Keddington

Rep. Phil Lyman defends post correlating DEI policies with Baltimore bridge collapse

Rep. Phil Lyman is defending a post made Tuesday, that said Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies had something to do with the Baltimore bridge collapse. 

2 hours ago

The Powder Baby Dry Shampoo team poses with its check after winning the 2024 Utah Entrepreneur Chal...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.COM

BYU student startup wins $30K at Utah Entrepreneur Challenge

BYU entrepreneur Kylee Black, who founded Powder Baby, said the cash prize will be instrumental in advancing her business.

3 hours ago

Utah Jazz Collin Sexton...

Ben Anderson

Jazz 3-18 Since Trade Deadline After Loss To Spurs

At 3-18 since the trade deadline, the Jazz now sit behind the 4-19 Portland Trail Blazers as the league’s worst team since February 8.

4 hours ago

Myrtle Spurge is often touted as deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, but the plant is rapidly inva...

Eliza Pace

Salt Lake County Health warns of harmful myrtle spurge plant

Myrtle spurge was originally introduced to Utah as a decorative plant but is an invasive species that has spread to natural areas.

4 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Gov. Cox signals he won’t sign bill barring transgender girls from female sports without some changes