What’s your thaught? A bill introduced in the Utah Legislature would define marriage in state law as existing between one man and one woman and supported by God.
The proposal reinforces the values of Utah residents but doesn’t have any impact on current policies, Rep. LaVar Christensen, R-Draper says Gay-rights supporters, however, worry the bill introduced Wednesday could prevent non-traditional families from receiving services.
House Bill 270 says government services, publicly funded programs and laws should strengthen the traditional family whenever possible. Some of the language mirrors a proclamation from leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The bill would provide guidance, not a mandate, said Christensen, its sponsor. For example, assistance programs for single mothers would not be eliminated.
“Although we’re stating our guiding principles . we are, with great compassion and our combined resources, providing to help people with all of life’s circumstances,” he said.
Equality Utah executive director Brandie Balken said individual agencies would have to interpret the law and base decisions on a narrow definition of family. The law could restrict services and access to programs or serve as an argument against single people having the right to adopt, Balken said.
“Who decides that level of compassion? We’re dealing with public policy. It needs to be clear,” Balken said.
