Senate, House pass revised transgender sports bill; Gov. Cox says he will veto
Mar 4, 2022, 10:29 PM | Updated: 11:27 pm
FILE: On the same day the Utah’s Senate unanimously passed a resolution to bring an NHL franchise to the Beehive state, the governor, Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith, the House and Senate president and the sponsors of some legislation centered around the NHL were all on hand for a virtual meeting with the league’s commissioner, Gary Bettman. (Jason Olson, Deseret News Archives)
(Jason Olson, Deseret News Archives)
SALT LAKE CITY — HB11, which was revised Friday to ban transgender athletes from participating in high school sports, has passed the Senate during the last day of the 2022 Legislative Session.
It passed the House in the final hour with a 46-29 vote.
The bill now heads to Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, who tweeted his support for the LGBTQ+ community after the vote and who said he would immediately veto it.
We care deeply about Utah’s female athletes and our LGBTQ+ community.
To those hurting tonight: It’s going to be OK. We’re going to help you get through this. Please reach out if you need help. @Safe_UT is free and provides immediate and confidential counseling.
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) March 5, 2022
During a press conference around 10 p.m., Gov. Spencer Cox said he would veto HB11 if it makes it to his desk.
BREAKING: @GovCox
says he'll veto the transgender athletes bill immediately if it passes the House #utpol #utleg"SO yeah. I'll veto this as soon as it's here."
— Katie McKellar (@KatieMcKellar1) March 5, 2022
Utah lawmakers have until midnight to review and consider any additional bills.
