Utah: Bill says marriage ordained by God

By The AP
Thursday, February 3, 2011

SALT LAKE CITY — 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, told The Associated Press,

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.