Adoption bill locked in House Rules Committee

The House Rules Committee on Wednesday held from committee a bill that would allow gay and straight co-habitating couples to adopt and be foster parents.

Rep. Rebecca Chavez-Houck, D-Salt Lake, sponsor of HB318, said she wasn't sure whether or not pulling the bill from the Judiciary Committee's agenda was an effort to kill it.

"However, given the great support the bill has received in the press, as well as from the community-at-large, I think it would be a shame to not have it heard in committee," Chavez-Houck said. "Families who have been negatively impacted by the current restrictions should have the opportunity to present their concerns."

Currently, Utah law only allows singles and married couples to adopt or be foster parents.