Press Release: USQ Issues Statement About HB302

02/19/2021- Today at the Utah House committee, a second bill was considered that would affect transgender youth. The first bill passed on February 17th, 2021, would exclude transgender girls from female athletics in public schools. US Quidditch (USQ) has put out this statement strongly condemning the legislation stating that USQ is “against gender-based discrimination, including House Bill 302 in Utah and similar such legislation being considered in states across the country.”

When asked to comment on the new bill, Executive Director Mary Kimball stated “I'm disappointed that the Utah House passed HB302. HB302 and bills like it are incredibly damaging to trans youth and create an environment where trans and gender non-conforming people are less safe in their communities. I strongly urge the state senate (and the governor, if it comes to that) to veto this bill.”  

US Quidditch recently announced Salt Lake City, Utah as the location of the 2022 US Quidditch Cup, but in their statement this week it was announced: “should HB302 and HB92 be signed into law, USQ will be unable to host an event in the state of Utah.” When asked about the organization’s next steps if a decision is made to move away from a previously confirmed bid, Ms. Kimball stated “we don't have a public update yet on what might happen should the location for nationals need to change. We will continue to be transparent with our community, though, and post an update on our website should that happen.”

This story will be updated as more news comes in.