Salt Lake City’s Utah State Capitol, Patrick Benedict and Gephardt Daily
In Utah’s Salt Lake City, January 26, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) – The Utah Legislature has passed a bill that forbids transgender people from using public restrooms in public spaces, including schools. The bill is named after Spencer Cox.
The Utah House approved the final version of HB257 on Friday with a 58-16 vote. It was co-sponsored by Sen. Daniel McCay, R-Riverton, and Rep. Kera Birkeland.
People who use publicly owned or funded facilities that differ from the gender they were assigned at birth are prohibited by HB257.
Additionally, it forbids transgender individuals from using restrooms, locker rooms, or changing rooms in public spaces unless they have undergone a complete transition and have an updated birth certificate.
On Friday, lawmakers made it clear that minors would not face charges if they used the restroom for a gender other than the one listed on their birth document.
Following the motion, Equality Utah, which promotes equal rights for LGBTQ Utahns, released a statement stating that “trans Americans have the freedom and liberty to access services in common places.”
“We apologize for the anxiety and distress that many people in the community are feeling as they read these bills. Throughout the period, we will keep meeting with lawmakers to advocate on their behalf.”
