Proponents of a fully functional hate crimes law and opponents of discredited “conversion” therapies are closer to success than they’ve ever been, thanks to an evolving Utah Legislature and stronger messaging from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Sen. Daniel Thatcher’s SB103 would add enhanced penalties when felony crime victims are targeted because of their race, religion, sexual orientation or other attributes. The bill came through committee unanimously and is headed to a vote on the Senate floor. Thatcher wisely is not claiming victory yet, but previous hate crimes bills had never made it to the floor.