SALT LAKE CITY—Utah’s Republican governor Saturday signed a bill that would bar young people from receiving gender-affirming health care and allow families to receive scholarships that pay for education outside the public school system. . Both measures are part of a larger national campaign.
Gov. Spencer Cox, who has not taken a public stance on the transgender care measure, signed it the day after Congress sent it to his desk. The state’s Republican-dominated legislature took precedence over the ban, two days after the legislature began its session this year, Jan. 17. We reviewed the first draft of the bill in less than 10 days.
Cox’s bill’s approval comes as legislators in at least 18 states are considering similar bills aimed at health care for young transgender people.
In a statement, Cox said his decision was to “pause these lasting, life-changing treatments for new patients until more and better studies can help determine long-term outcomes.” is wise,” he explained.
“We understand that our words are of little comfort to those who disagree with us, but as we strive to better understand the science and results behind these procedures, we will continue I sincerely hope that I can treat my family with more love and respect.
Among the critics was Utah’s ACLU, which urged Cox on Friday to veto the bill.
In a letter to Cox, civil rights groups said they were “deeply concerned by the damaging and potentially devastating effects of this law on people’s livelihoods and health care, and by the grave violations of people’s constitutional rights.
“By cutting off medical care supported by all major medical associations in the United States, the bill jeopardizes the health and well-being of gender dysphoric youth. , binds the hands of doctors and parents who are unable to cope with this serious medical condition and are hampered in their ability to fulfill their professional obligations,” the letter said.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Mike Kennedy, a Republican family physician, said critical health policies related to gender and youth require government oversight.
Cox also signed another bill that would give students school-choice scholarships to attend schools outside the public education system. and raised welfare benefits.
At least a dozen states are considering similar legislation, making it an important year for school choice. The controversy has stoked teachers’ unions and resurfaced concerns about efforts to gradually privatize public education. If enacted, it could change the nature of the relationship between state governments and the education system, deepening the differences in how many red and blue states get to school.
Utah’s bill allocates $42 million in taxpayer funds to pay for scholarships so students can attend private schools. About 5,000 students receive her $8,000 scholarship. This is approximately double the “weighted student credits” provided by the state to help students attend school. To quell strong opposition from the state teachers union, the bill also includes her $6,000 in Utah teacher salaries and benefits.
Cox’s statement described the measure as “balancing” while explaining that his decision was primarily focused on raising teachers’ salaries.
“School choice is most effective when it provides adequate funding for public education and removes unnecessary regulations that burden public schools and make it difficult for them to succeed,” Cox said.
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