Church slams gambling

Late Thursday the LDS Church issued a statement saying it supports a bill in the Utah Legislature that makes it clear there can be no gambling at private clubs or beer bars that hold state liquor licenses.

HB104 by Rep. Steven Sandstrom, R-Orem, would stop games of chance, even if nothing of real value is at stake, in the state licensed establishments.

There is an exception for games of chance organized by a charitable institution, where at least half of the proceeds go to the charity.

Utah's constitution prohibits gambling, but as various types of games of chance have come about, some with technology, Sandstrom believes definitions need to be updated.

The statement by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reads: "We believe that this bill as currently drafted helps ensure Utah's status as a state that neither permits, recognizes, nor tolerates any form of legalized gambling."

Of interest: The LDS Church's statement says it supports First Substitute HB104. However, on the Legislature's official Web site, only the original HB104, not the First Substitute HB104, is listed. So apparently church officials reviewed an alternative bill not yet officially introduced.

HB104 is scheduled for an 8 a.m. hearing today before the House Business and Labor Committee, and Sandstrom may well substitute his bill at that time.

The LDS Church has a long history of taking public stands for or against legislative matters that deal with alcohol and gambling.

More than 80 percent of the 104 part-time legislators belong to the LDS Church, which owns the Deseret Morning News.