Today, the LGBT community in Utah, and further, is celebrating the Utah Supreme Court's decision that regarding changing the sex on a transgendered birth certificate. The decision can be read here: https://www.utcourts.gov/opinions/supopin/In%20re%20Gray%20and%20Rice20210506.pdf #utpol

When I joined the #utleg in 2012, I knew very little about the struggles faced by our transgender friends and neighbors. I celebrate with them today, because I know this decision was a very important step to helping them feel validated under the law.

While I do not want to detract from a historic day for the LGBT community, I cannot resist from commenting on the fact that the Utah Supreme Court was forced to act due to the failure of the #utleg to do so.

This was a difficult issue to be sure. So difficult, in fact, the the court waited 3.5 years after oral argument to rule. The court typically rules within 6 months.

But this is an issue that should have been decided by the #utleg. We are elected to tackle hard issues, not just the easy ones.

As much as I respect the members of the #utleg and its processes, this was a missed opportunity. Like Congress does so often, in this instance the #utleg sidestepped its responsibility and instead allowed unelected judges to set the policy.

I hope that the #utleg learns from this, and boldly takes on and tackles difficult issues in the future. With its decision today, the Utah Supreme Court signaled its willingness to act when the legislature declines to do so.