July 14, 2022
Yesterday, Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes filed motions to dismiss
the lawsuit filed against two school districts, their Superintendents, and the Utah High School
Activities Association over the participation of transgender athletes in high school sports
competitions.
The Plaintiffs allege the new state law, HB 11, violates the Utah Constitution.
From the filing, the State notes that this case confronts the “intersection of an emerging social
challenge confronting policymakers worldwide: how to best preserve fair competition and safety
in women’s sports while also accommodating the interests of transgender persons in social
interactions (here, high school sports) that align with their gender identity.” The State argues
that Plaintiffs do not allege viable claims under the Constitution and that the Legislature is best
situated and constitutionally vested with the power to balance the competing interests at stake.
The State also filed its opposition to Plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction that would
enjoin the law pending litigation.
Here are the links to the motions:
