Guv draws scrutiny over stance on civil unions

Published: Tuesday, April 21 2009 12:00 a.m. MDT

Summary

As a controversial pro-marriage ad stirs debate among Republicans across the country, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s support for civil unions is again attracting national attention — but not all of it favorable.

State Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland said Huntsman's statements have helped raise public awareness of the issues surrounding gay couples and "probably added to some open-mindedness," even among the minority party.

"As awareness nationally increases, and the Republican Party has leaders like Huntsman, yes, it will probably bring even moderate to conservative Democrats to what looks to be becoming the mainstream of this issue," Holland said.

Huntsman can expect a personal thanks for the opinions he expressed in Rich's column from Equality Utah's Will Carlson, who is scheduled to meet with the governor on Tuesday.

"Gov. Huntsman has always established himself as fair-minded," Carlson said. "So I'm pleased, but not surprised."

E-MAIL: lisa@desnews.com

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dave4197

Civil unions are the way to go, it's a no brainer. Let them have same sex unions, employee paid benefits, inheritances, and other "equal treatment in law", including make them responsible for each others' welfare, like married couples. But the last More..

5:46 p.m. April 20, 2009
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Sally

Thank God for our wonderful Governor Huntsman who supports equality for all human beings! Liberty and Justice for all! One day, all people will be treated equally! We as the LGBT community and our supporters will not surrender until we have won More..

6:12 p.m. April 20, 2009
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Baja Joe

Civil unions do not constitute marriages.
People living in the same household should be entitled to equal protection and rights under the law.
I should be able to provide insurance benefits and protections to my dependents regardless of More..

6:40 p.m. April 20, 2009
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