Written by Don Byrd
Like many other states in the recent months year, same-sex marriage has become legal in Utah, following the Supreme Court’s decision not to take up the state’s appeal. Governor Gary Herbert says to expect some “religious freedom” legislation to follow suit in the next state legislative session.
The Washington Post reports:
“I think there may be some concerns about making sure that we strengthen religious freedom,” Herbert said Thursday at a news conference with Utah reporters. “I suspect that’s going to be a topic for discussion.”
At least one lawmaker has already brought it up. State Rep. Jacob Anderegg (R) told the Salt Lake Tribune he plans to introduce a constitutional amendment and bill next year to ensure clergy, elected officials, and others opposed to marriage for same-sex couples aren’t required to perform them.
As I posted last month, North Carolina is also likely to see similar bills introduced. With such rapid changes in area as controversial and charged as same-sex marriage, we will probably see many states responding in various ways next year. I expect such legislation will be proposed in the name of religious freedom. Here’s hoping the tone of that debate will be worthy of the name.
