Rates of rape in Utah are higher than the national average, and this legislative secession there’s a bipartisan bill before lawmakers that seeks to offer more resources and support to the survivors of sexual violence.
A group of over 100 people came together for a read-in at the Utah Capitol to advocate for the freedom to choose what to read and push back against legislation that clarifies school library book challenges.
Utah lawmakers on Thursday passed a version of a decades-old federal law protecting religious freedom rights, with language declaring their intent that the bill won't impact the state's ban on conversion therapy and other anti-discrimination policies. SB150 is similar to the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act — which was passed more than 30 years ago — making Utah the latest state to put the protections in state code. Bill sponsor Sen. Todd Weiler, R-Woods Cross, has previously said the protections are already in place thanks to the federal law, but Utah's version will serve as a "backstop" to residents of the Beehive State should Congress make changes or repeal the statute.
Utah lawmakers on Thursday passed a version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act with language declaring their intent that the bill doesn t override the state s ban on conversion therapy.
House, Senate agree to compromise language that allows the state school board to conduct a hearing on whether a school library book should be removed statewide.