News (USA)

Utah state lawmaker drops trio of anti-gay bills — for now

Utah state lawmaker drops trio of anti-gay bills — for now
LaVar Christensen

SALT LAKE CITY — Three controversial, anti-gay bills brought forward in the Utah Legislative Session this year by State Rep. LaVar Christensen, have been shelved.

The three bills — which did not garner much support, even among the more extreme conservatives — would each have reduced rights and recognition for gay and lesbian couples.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports:

Christensen said the measures are too important to be rushed with only three weeks remaining in the 2011 session. The bills — currently labeled HB270, HB109 and HB182 — could return next year.

“I would like to have time for that dialogue to continue so there is no confusion, misunderstanding or unintended consequences in the bills as they may ultimately be adopted,” Christensen said in a statement.

The first bill would have voided contracts that went against state policy, prohibiting same-sex couples from making contractual agreements, such as wills and financial arrangements.

The second bill aimed to create state policy on traditional families, saying they are supported by “nature and nature’s laws.”

The third bill supported religious liberty by exempting anyone from local non-discrimination laws if they do it on religious grounds.

Don't forget to share:

Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

Iowa teen who testified in support of marriage equality appears on ‘Ellen’

Previous article

High school newspaper editorial condemns homosexuality, same-sex dating

Next article