Utah lawmaker Christine Johnson to work for South Carolina gay rights group

SALT LAKE CITY — A Democratic Utah lawmaker is resigning to become the executive director of a gay rights group in South Carolina.

Rep. Christine Johnson said Wednesday she will begin her new job at South Carolina Equality in July. Johnson lived in the state previously and still has family there.

The two-term Salt Lake City Democrat frequently has fought for the legal rights of gays and lesbians during her time in the Legislature. Johnson, who is a lesbian, is carrying a baby boy for two gay friends who can't legally adopt in the state.

Johnson agreed to a moratorium on seeking any gay rights legislation last session to protect a Salt Lake City anti-discrimination ordinance from coming under assault by conservative state lawmakers.

Johnson already had said she would not run for re-election.