An increasing number of lawsuits have been filed in states challenging similar laws as a Utah judge temporarily blocked a state ban preventing trans girls from participating in K-12 sports.
A person holding a sign outside of the Statehouse.
The legislation was blocked by a Utah judge who said it was "plainly unfavorable treatment" for trans girls.
The state legislature overrode Republican Utah Gov. Spencer Cox's veto of the bill, which was against Utah's constitution.
A commission will decide which athletes can participate in sports based on factors such as a player's weight and size, a measure stipulated in the original law, according to the Salt.
Several states, including West Virginia, Indiana and Idaho, have banned the participation of trans athletes. A federal judge temporarily halted a West Virginia law that banned girls and women from playing sports. More than a dozen states, including Texas, Florida and Alabama, have enacted some type of ban on trans students participating in sports. Critics of the participation of trans athletes in sports argue that they have an unfair physical advantage because of their testosterone levels. Civil right groups argue that the laws will deny trans girls important social, physical and emotional benefits from participating in sports and that they will be isolated.
A number of professional sports leagues have banned trans women from competing. One of the latest sports to do so is the British triathlon Federation, which created an "open" category for trans and non-binary people to compete in, while barring them from a Female category. There are advantages to being a trans woman even after they transition. In June, the International Swimming Federation made a similar decision, as well as the International Rugby League banning trans women from playing in women's rugby.
A judge has granted an injunction blocking Utah's sports ban.
The judge put the Utah ban on the hold.
The Utah Legislature voted to overturn the governor's veto of the bill.
British triathlon has a new rule to limit trans athletes.
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