PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 25, 2022
Salt Lake City, UT – Doubling down on their harmful attack directed at transgender youth, GOP lawmakers led an effort to override Governor Cox’s veto of H.B. 11, banning transgender girls from participating in school sports competitions.
Chase Thomas, executive director for Alliance for a Better Utah, issued the following statement in response to the veto override:
“H.B. 11 is not about fairness. It is the latest example of a coordinated national attack on the rights and lives of transgender individuals, a campaign that has shamefully been aimed most recently at children and their families. GOP lawmakers are playing politics and creating division in a culture war that is harming vulnerable youth.
“Our transgender children are treasured members of our families, schools, and communities. They do not deserve what happened today. They deserve to be protected, included, and loved. Our actions and policies should show how much we value each and every one of them, whether they want to participate in sports or not.
“We are grateful to the Democrats and the handful of Republicans that stood up for fairness and equality today. We are also grateful to Governor Cox for his veto and support of the LGBTQ community. Our politics must be better than what happened today and if politicians do not change, then Utahns must change their politicians. As Utahns that value freedom and fairness for all, we will continue fighting to protect the rights of all Utahns and ensure that all our children are able to live happy, fulfilling, and authentic lives.”
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Alliance for a Better Utah is a nonprofit that holds politicians accountable and advocates for progressive policies that make Utah an even better place. The organization improves the lives of all Utahns through advocacy, transparency, and accountability in Utah politics, policy, and government. More information at www.betterutah.org.