2 Republican governors veto anti-trans laws, face pushback
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, left, and Utah Gov, Spencer Cox, right, both vetoed anti-trans legislation this week. CASEY SMITH and TOM DAVIESAssociated Press INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s Gov.
Eric Holcomb is facing criticism from fellow Republicans and calls for an override of his veto on legislation banning transgender females from competing in girls school sports, a decision that put him at odds with a conservative cause that has led to similar state laws across the country.
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on Tuesday, March 22, vetoed a similar ban approved by that state’s Legislature after he had been working to broker a compromise between LGBTQ advocates and social conservatives.
Utah lawmakers are set to convene on Friday, March 25, to further consider the bill and discuss overriding the veto, which would require support from two-thirds of legislators. “I struggle to understand so much of it and the science is conflicting,” Cox wrote in a letter to Utah legislative leaders. “When in doubt, however, I always try to err on the side of kindness, mercy and compassion.” The bill in Indiana passed by wide margins in the GOP-dominated Legislature, and the House speaker announced plans March 22 for a May 24 meeting during which it could override Holcomb’s veto with simple majorities in the House and Senate.
