Utah Jazz Oppose Passage Of HB11 Transgender Bill
Mar 25, 2022, 3:56 PM | Updated: 6:09 pm
Utah Jazz Logo at Vivint Arena (Photo: Ben Anderson/KSL Sports)
(Photo: Ben Anderson/KSL Sports)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz have issued a statement condemning the passage of the HB11 bill that will prevent transgender girls from competing in high school sports in the state of Utah.
The bill was first passed by the state legislature but was vetoed earlier this week by Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
However, the legislature reconvened on Friday to override Governor Cox’s veto with a 21-8 vote.
Shortly after the passage of the bill, the Jazz issued a statement condemning the actions of the local government.
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“The Utah Jazz oppose discriminatory legislation. We are committed to our values of inclusivity, mutual respect, and fair play. Beyond basketball, we hope for an equitable solution that shows love and compassion for all our youth.”
The Jazz have found themselves embroiled in the controversy surrounding the passage of the bill as Utah is set to host the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.
In 2017 the NBA removed to All-Star Game set to be held in Charlotte due to a similar bill that required its citizens to use restrooms that matched the sex listed on their birth certificate.
The game returned to Charlotte in 2019 after parts of the “bathroom bill” were removed.
Though the league has yet to issue a statement on whether it intends to keep the game in Utah or move it to another venue, NBA Chief Communications Officer Michael Bass sent KSL a statement saying “We’re working closely with the Jazz on this matter.”
"Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved."
We need to love these kids.
This bill was rushed, flawed, and won’t hold up over time. I'm hopeful we can find a better way.
Regardless, to all in the LGBTQ+ community, you're safe with us. https://t.co/Ct3eYBPbXK
— Ryan Smith (@RyanQualtrics) March 23, 2022
Jazz owner Ryan Smith has also spoken out against the proposal to override the Governor’s veto before Friday’s vote.
“We need to love these kids,” Smith tweeted. “This bill was rushed, flawed, and won’t hold up over time. I’m hopeful we can find a better way. Regardless, to all in the LGBTQ+ community, you’re safe with us.”
When the Jazz were first awarded the All-Star game in 2019, then-Governor Gary Herbert estimated the event would bring in upwards of $50 million to the Utah economy.
