SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox signed two controversial bills into law Tuesday, one concerning transgender bathroom access and another that will effectively remove diversity, equity and inclusive programs in state institutions.
Cox, a Republican, signed H.B. 257 and H.B. 261 into law after lawmakers in the Republican-controlled Legislature gave their final approval on both bills last week. Utah Democrats had urged the governor not to sign these bills into law.
Utah Democratic Party Chair Diane Lewis said in a statement Tuesday night that the governor’s haste in signing these divisive bills reflects the kind of leader he has become, noting that just a few years ago he joined other leaders in signing the Utah Compact on Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
“Rather than placing common sense and good public policy over red meat culture wars, he has completely caved to the right wing of the Republican party in an effort to keep his political career alive,” Lewis said.
Bathroom bill
H.B. 257 requires transgender people to use a public bathroom or changing room that coincides with their sex designated at birth, unless they’ve undergone surgery or changed their birth certificate.
But if a transgender person uses a public bathroom that instead aligns with their gender identity, there are no penalties outlined in the bill, although they could risk charges of trespassing or lewdness.
“We want public facilities that are safe and accommodating for everyone and this bill increases privacy protections for all,” Cox said, in a statement from his office.
Last week, hundreds of people gathered outside the capitol to protest the bill, saying that the legislation will further demonize transgender people, who already face discrimination, violence and other difficult life circumstances.
DEI bill
H.B. 261 will rework diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs at universities and colleges, replacing them with Student Success Centers, open to all students regardless of their race, gender or sexual orientation. It will also bar institutions, including state offices, from requiring “diversity statements” for new hires, and it will ban trainings that promote any political ideologies.
“We’ve been concerned about some DEI programs and policies, particularly with hiring practices, and this bill offers a balanced solution,” the governor said, in a statement. “I’m grateful to the Legislature for not following the lead of other states that simply eliminated DEI funding with no alternative path for students who may be struggling. Instead, this funding will be repurposed to help all Utah students succeed regardless of their background.”
Critics of the anti-DEI bill have argued that it’s a misguided move to rework these programs, which have become a hot-button cultural issue, particularly among conservatives. The critics say that this bill will bring unintended consequences and send the wrong message to many Utahns.
Cox had signaled his support for this legislation late last year. In a press conference in December, he said that diversity statements were “awful, bordering on evil,” and asserted that DEI initiatives can often backfire, fomenting division instead of bringing people together.
