From Deseret News archives:
Marriage measure ignites passions
Biskupski, D-Salt Lake, the only openly gay legislator in Utah history, spoke to a hushed House chamber, decrying the passage of a bill that says a marriage in Utah can only be between a man and a woman. In effect, SB24 bans same-sex unions.
"I've heard some horrible things said about me" in the same-sex marriage debate, said Biskupski. "I'm human, created by God, just like all of you, with a loving, giving heart."
Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay, added, "This bill helps no one and hurts many. It is mean-spirited and bigoted."
But the outcome of SB24 was never in doubt. It passed 62-12, all "no" votes coming from Democrats. It now goes to Gov. Olene Walker to be signed, vetoed or become law without her signature.
The GOP-dominated Legislature joined Republicans across the nation rallying against the possibility of same-sex marriages. The debate heated up recently over the Massachusetts Supreme Court's 4-3 ruling that same-sex marriages must be allowed in that state.
San Francisco city officials have been issuing marriage licenses for a week, with long lines of gay and lesbian couples waiting to be married in City Hall.
In Utah, the issue takes on clear religious significance. The LDS Church has come out against same-sex marriages and even contributed money to anti-same-sex political efforts in other states. More than 80 percent of Utah lawmakers are faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
And Wednesday, several legislators speaking in support of SB24 asked colleagues to "sustain" the bill, a term used widely in the LDS culture when church members are asked to support their local leaders.
House Republicans rejected a proposed Democratic amendment that would have changed the definition of a marriage from between "a man and a woman" to "one man and one woman." Democrats said that would make it clear no polygamous marriages could be made, but GOP members said polygamy is already banned in the state constitution.
The same amendment failed in the Senate.
Republicans also rejected Democrats' arguments that SB24 is not needed because Utah adopted a "defense of marriage" law several years ago.
SB24, sponsored by Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, carries the weight of law.
Meanwhile, Rep. LaVar Christensen, R-Draper, has introduced a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages. The House will debate that later this session. If that amendment passes by two-thirds majorities in each house, it will go on the 2004 ballot for approval or rejection by voters.
