Protestors gathered at the Utah State Capitol today to speak out against H.B 257, which would prohibit transgender individuals from using restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity in publicly owned and operated buildings, including public universities and K-12 schools. The bill is one of two pieces of legislation restricting transgender people’s ability to use facilities that align with their gender identity.
On the Capitol steps, advocates waved transgender flags and held signs in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Protestors chanted, “Out of the closet, into the streets!” and “When trans lives are under attack, what do we do? Fight back!”
Protestors could also pick up free transgender flags through an initiative created by Project Rainbow Utah. Representatives from the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah, Equality Utah, the Nuanua Collective and other LGBTQ+ advocacy groups spoke against the bill. Armed Queers, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, offered security for the event in the event of disruption, recognizable by pink bandanas.
Jacey Thornton, executive director of Project Rainbow Utah, voiced frustrations felt by many members of the transgender community.
“In both committee meetings we brought facts to the table, and they brought ‘I don’t know’ to the table,” Thornton said. The crowd booed as speakers talked about the actions of the legislature.
Clover, an attendee of the protest who requested the Chronicle use only their first name, voiced their disappointment in the legislature.
“They’re just trying to ban us from all public spaces,” they said. “Lack of access to bathrooms and changing rooms … essentially their entire goal is to erase us.”
While the rally continued outside, lawmakers repealed changes made to loosen restrictions enacted by the bill. Sen. Daniel McCay (R-Riverton) cited privacy concerns as one of the reasons the amendments were scrapped.
“Many people trust that when they go in there that they’re going to have privacy.” he said. “They have that expectation.”
After the speeches concluded, the microphone opened up to members of the trans community.
The bill will move back into the House, where the bill will go through another round of voting. If the bill is passed, people who violate the law may face jail time and the charge of a class A misdemeanor.
e.cowley@dailyutahchronicle.com
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