(CNN)Utah judge Friday issued preliminary injunction allowing transgender girls to compete on girl's team Granting an order does not automatically entitle you. play.
In the decision, Judge Kelly said the ban singles out transgender girls and categorically prohibits them from participating in girls' team sports, while other girls are free to compete.
"This is clearly unfavorable treatment," the ruling said.
"We are thrilled and the girls and their families are very relieved," said the lawyer representing the girls and director of legal affairs at the National Center for Lesbian Rights. Shannon Minter told CNN in her message via text.
Mental health was at the center of the lawsuit as the student-athlete claimed that being banned from playing on the women's team could result in physical and mental harm. The student-athletes participating in the lawsuit seek to compete on teams in volleyball, swimming, cross-country and track and field.
Kelly's decision indicated that plaintiffs faced "irreparable harm" from the ban, "by singling them out for unfavorable treatment as transgender girls.
In March, Utah Republican lawmakers voted to pass the House of Representatives banning transgender athletes from competing on women's and girls' sports teams. Overridden Republican Governor Spencer Cox's veto on Bill 11. Proponents said the law was necessary to maintain fair competition opportunities, but Cox questioned its necessity, saying it was aimed at marginalized groups with high suicide rates.
Last school year, only four of Utah's 75,000 high school athletes were transgender, and only one transgender girl played on the girls' team, Cox denied. pointed out in the letter of right.
Additional information about the student must also be submitted, such as a complete list of all the student's medications and treatments, and written confirmation from the appropriate medical professional of the student's consistent gender identification. there is.
CNN contacted the office of Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes and was told it would not comment on the judge's decision. One Jennifer Napier-Pearce told CNN, "The governor is considering opinions, including liability under current law."