And In Utah News

From the Salt Lake Tribune

A bill pushed by gay-rights advocates that would enable heirs - besides spouses, children and parents - to sue in the event of a wrongful death passed the Utah Legislature's Judiciary Interim Committee on Wednesday.

But only after a tense debate over whether the measure, which also would protect gays and transgender people who lose a partner, violates Utah's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

In the end, the committee voted 11-4 to give the bill, sponsored by Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake City, a favorable recommendation after language was added that explicitly states the protection "cannot be construed" as treating a same-sex relationship as a marriage or a civil union.
From the Salt Lake Tribune:

Proponents of traditional marriage protested the measure, which is part of a collection of legislation aimed at bolstering gay rights. That effort, launched by Equality Utah, has been dubbed the Common Ground Initiative.

"Maybe on their own, by themselves, [these bills] seem harmless enough," said Gayle Ruzicka of Utah's Eagle Forum, but she noted, "they add up."

Sen. Greg Bell, R-Fruit Heights and a committee co-chairman, disagreed with the "slippery-slope" argument, even though he considers himself a culture-war "soldier" who helped to pass Utah's same-sex marriage ban in 2004.

Bell voted to recommend McCoy's bill.

"So long as we do not undermine traditional marriage," Bell said, "there are relationships in our society that do warrant some."


It is about time this state remove it's head from it's lower orifice. I understand that a religious majority rules this state, but one of the fine freedoms afforded to us all living in the US of A is that we can live wherever we want. It is about time some of the very harsh and religious based laws in this state be changed to afford EVERYONE the same and equal rights. Just cause we all don't wear the same style of underwear, does not mean we all should have to abide by religious law.