SALT LAKE CITY — The House overwhelmingly rejected a bill that would have required a study on hormone therapies for transgender youth.
Rep. Brad Daw, R-Orem, originally proposed a ban on hormone therapy for transgender youth. On the House floor, he raised concerns about puberty blockers used by trans teens.
"I understand this bill has raised a lot of concern and a lot of controversy," Rep. Daw said.
In response to concerns by LGBTQ rights groups, Rep. Daw said he modified it to seek a study on the drugs used by trans youth. Without debate, the House killed House Bill 449 on a 17-55 vote.
“This legislation started as discriminatory ban on transgender healthcare, and has now been defeated. We are grateful to Rep. Daw for compassionately hearing the stories of transgender youth. We look forward to continued dialogue with lawmakers on the healthcare needs of the transgender community," Equality Utah Executive Director Troy Williams said in a statement.
