This is a very divisive issue, but I think the governor of Utah did the right analysis when confronted with whether to sign or veto the transgender sports ban that came to his desk.
1. He looked at what was proposed and noted that the language called for a complete ban. He also looked at the fact that the final legislation that hit his desk was not in line with the debate that had occurred and that a complete ban really didn't arise during the legislative session until the 11th hour and recieved little, if any, public input or floor debate.
2. He looked at the potential impact to the state athletic associations and school districts, and whether they were suitably protected financially.
3. He sized the scope of the issue in current terms so as to not just react in a knee-jerk fashion or to act as a rubber stamp. And in his case, there were 4 total transgender adolescent athletes in his state, only 1 of which was playing in a girl's sport.
4. He focused on humanity, with appropriate compassion.
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Four kids and only one of them playing girls sports. That's what all of this is about. Four kids who aren't dominating or winning trophies or taking scholarships.
Four kids who are just trying to find some friends and feel like they are a part of something. Four kids trying to get through each day.
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Rarely has so much fear and anger been directed at so few. I don't understand what they are going through or why they feel the way they do. But I want them to live.
And all the research shows that even a little acceptanceand connection can reduce suicidality significantly.
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And, while expecting his veto decision to be overridden, he called for people to focus on the humanity of those 4 rather than demonize them.
5. He was looking for and expecting a commission that would have reviewed the athletes on a case-by-case basis rather than a blanket ban or approval.
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