Measure aims at religious protesters
Rep. Doug Aagard, R-Kaysville, said that after watching the actions of street preachers toward members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attending general conference last year, "I started to look for a way to bring things in order."
Aagard's HB131 would not only slap a class B misdemeanor on anyone who violates the proposed restrictions, but would allow the person targeted with unwanted statements and leaflets to sue for civil damages and seek a court injunction.
The bill, approved by a House Committee on Tuesday, is similar to a controversial Colorado law passed in 1993, tailored to control anti-abortion protesters outside health-care facilities. Under Colorado's law, it is unlawful for any person within 100 feet of a health-care facility to knowingly approach a person within 8 feet with the purpose of passing a leaflet, displaying a sign or engaging in "sidewalk counseling." Protesters must also stay 100 feet away from the facilities' entrances.
A fight against that law by protesters, who said it violated their First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, was taken all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In June 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the law as constitutional, noting that women seeking abortion counseling were vulnerable to harassment as a result of making a very personal choice. The law did allow patrons to approach protesters without violation of the law.
Aagard told members of the House Judiciary Committee the law would help establish standards in Utah of what is not acceptable for street preachers outside Temple Square.
"I feel like we need a base standard throughout the state to protect people and these places," Aagard said.
HB131 would restrict protesters at both medical facilities and places of worship.
One attorney, who represents the street preachers, said he is disturbed by the proposed bill and said his clients likely will take Utah to court over its restrictions.
"It's just waiting to be litigated," attorney Randall Wenger told the Deseret Morning News from his office in Pennsylvania.
Wenger is particularly troubled that the bill allows citizens to sue preachers for civil damages.
"It sounds like they've created full employment for lawyers here," he said.
The Utah Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union believes the bill is too broad because it restricts protests of churches and medical facilities statewide in order to deal with one particular situation.
Comments
- Attempted murder case refiled 1:58 a.m.
- Sports on the air 1:38 a.m.
- This weekend on TV 1:38 a.m.
- Birthdays for Saturday, July 11 1:38 a.m.
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza 1:37 a.m.
- S.L. man spots stolen car — his 1:23 a.m.
- Girl critical after run-in with train 1:23 a.m.
- Probe of death treated as slaying 1:22 a.m.
- Taylorsville man arrested in robbery 1:21 a.m.
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love' 1:20 a.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- Teacher faces new sex charges
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- S.L. man spots stolen car — his
- Jazz rookies quiet Thunder youngsters
- LDS seminary principal arrested
160 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
136 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
99 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
94 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
74 - Letters: Single-payer system best
72 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
By now you've probably read about the investigation that showed just how...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
I love Millsap, and the Jazz will find a way to move Boozer and match for...
i think its childish to assume that somebody would actually want to get...
Millsap and Boozer need to stay in Utah. Millsap is Boozers backup while he...
Childish and immature? Its always easier being ignorant and presuming things...
can you use words like testimony and church leadership to critisize a...
Bro P really helped me through a tough time in my life when I had him in...
These are only allegations at present, but I hope when he goes to trial, the...
My thoughts are with the Pratt family right now. Michael I hope you are...
It is interesting that everyone who seems to be a member comments on how nice...
You presume, simply because they were gay, that they were trying to "stir...




You can be the first to comment on this story.