Utah’s House Speaker Mike Schultz expressed strong opposition to a federal judge’s ruling allowing a transgender athlete to compete in a conference volleyball tournament, stating that “men have no place in women’s sports.” Senate President Stuart Adams called for a data-driven, evidence-based approach to be adopted by NCAA and other institutions. Utah State University is reviewing the court order issued on Monday.
In response to Judge Kato Crews’ decision to deny a request to prevent a transgender athlete from competing, Schultz emphasized that women’s sports should be reserved for female athletes. He also criticized the MWC’s policy on transgender athletes for violating Title IX. Despite the legal setback, Utah State University is focused on supporting its women’s volleyball team in the upcoming game.
Last week, Utah’s political leaders, including Governor Spencer Cox, called for the MWC to revise its policy allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports. They urged Utah State University to intervene in the lawsuit against San Jose State University. Following Crews’ ruling, Adams reiterated the importance of protecting the integrity of women’s sports.
The state’s congressional delegation, including Senators Mike Lee and Mitt Romney, also voiced concerns about the safety and fairness of female athletes competing against biological males. They urged the MWC to update its guidelines to prevent cross-gender competition in women’s sports, citing Title IX’s intent to provide equal opportunities for female athletes. Overall, the issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports continues to be a contentious issue in Utah, with political leaders and institutions taking a stand to defend the rights of female athletes.
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