Gay unions target of bill

Sen. D. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, is determined to create a legal definition of marriage in Utah that recognizes only a union "between one man and one woman." He has drafted legislation that would make any other configuration illegal.

"I have asked our staff to write the bill and I will pass it," Buttars vowed. It will appear during the 2004 session that begins in January if his plan jells.

Groups that take a liberal view on same-sex marriages already have begun marshaling their forces to oppose the proposed legislation, which would bar recognition of any marriages in Utah except those involving one male and one female. The drive for recognition of same-sex marriages in a number of states, coupled with a Supreme Court decision that decriminalized homosexuality, has become impetus for growing national debate. Those who hold to the heterosexual definition of marriage, including Buttars, are taking steps to safeguard that tradition.

"That is the traditional American definition of a marriage," Buttars said. Any other configuration is a perversion, the senator believes. Though a complete copy of the proposal is not yet available, the core would be a definition of marriage recognizing only a union between a man and a woman. Same-sex unions entered into in other states would not be recognized here.

The Utah unit of the National Organization for Women has issued a news release opposing the pending bill. "This discriminatory legislation only serves to foster bigotry and hate against a responsible population of society who deserve the same privileges and rights afforded to other couples in committed relationships."

The Utah NOW release, over the signature of president Andrea Moore-Emmett, makes a distinction between same-sex unions and polygamy. The latter is a lifestyle that "violates human and civil rights of women and children," while homosexual unions reflect "sexual orientation" in which there are no victims, the release says. Polygamy already is constitutionally banned in Utah.

From Buttars' viewpoint, both same-gender and polygamist unions violate the spirit of true marriage. "They can say what they want to," he said of detractors.

Darin Hobbs, director of finance and operations of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Utah, also issued a statement calling Buttars' proposal "at best, a misguided attempt to preserve the so-called sanctity of marriage." The bill, if passed, would deprive committed same-sex couples of "the same privileges and rights enjoyed by heterosexual partners," he said.

Definitions of marriage "reside in the realms of personal and spiritual beliefs," he maintains.

"The fact is, same-sex couples already exist and are in committed relationships. We not only ask for the same privileges and rights, but we will accept the responsibilities, personal and social, as well," Hobbs said.

Buttars is unswayed by the arguments, although he knows he can anticipate a lively debate if his bill comes before the Legislature this winter.

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