Utah is unlikely to join 11 states that have enacted bans on trans girls wanting to compete in school sports leagues that correspond with their gender identity

Governor Spencer Cox had for months engaged in negotiations to broker a compromise between LGBTQ advocates and social conservatives

He said he was stunned Friday as lawmakers advanced and passed a proposal that included a ban on trans student-athletes competing in girls sports  

'I just want them to know that it's gonna be okay. We're gonna work through this,' Cox said

The bill's proposal bans 'biological males' — which it defines as 'an individual's genetics and anatomy at birth' — from girls leagues

Supporters said it would ensure fairness and safety for girls and prevent a cultural shift of transgender kids wanting to compete in girls sports in the future