Citizens file for referendum on controversial records bill HB477

The protesters only had permits to rally on the plaza but security didn't make any arrests as they marched into the Capitol rotunda and eventually trickled into the House gallery.

The few dozen protesters in the gallery sang, "keep an eye on you, I'm gonna let it shine," but Republicans were in a party caucus off the floor.  House Democrats on the floor were silent but held up signs reading, 'We're Democrats, we voted against HB477.'"

Rep. Patrice M. Arent, D-Salt Lake City, was smiling and taking photos of the protesters from the House floor as they sang.

Most of the protestors filed out before the speaker called the House to order. But a few stragglers appeared to have been deliberately waiting for the opportunity to shout, “Repeal” several times after the session resumed. House Speaker Becky Lockhart, R-Provo, responded by banging her gavel and sternly warning them about rules of decorum and, to the laughter of demonstrators, misspoke by saying "I will kill" then quickly corrected herself to say, "clear the gallery.”

E-mail: pkoepp@desnews.com, sgarn@desnews.com

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