The Capitol is pictured in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023. (Laura Seitz/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — A bill to allow religious clothing in school sports has passed the Utah Legislature.
The bill passed unanimously in the state Senate and passed with only one nay vote in the House.
The bill is now on its way to the governor. If he signs it, the new law will take effect on July 1.
H.B. 163 would allow students to wear modest or religious clothing during school and organizational sports that use public school facilities for their activities.
It also states that if the organization requires the garment to be a specific color or material, the organization itself would have to pay the cost.
This bill is a follow-up to a resolution made last year in the Utah House to recognize modesty and religious freedom rights for student-athletes.
The purpose of this bill is to help children participate in sports in a way that they feel comfortable.