Utah hate-crimes law passes Senate, moves to House

A proposal that would strengthen Utah’s hate-crimes law has been approved by the state Senate, marking a major step forward for a plan that stalled in years past.

The Utah Senate voted 18-11 on Tuesday to pass a measure that would increase sentences for people convicted of targeting someone because of their sexual orientation, race, religion or other factors

Supporters of the bill argue that it would protect civil rights. Opponents worry the measure goes too far in singling out certain groups.

Utah’s current hate-crimes law doesn’t protect specific groups, with prosecutors calling it essentially unusable.

A similar measure failed in 2016 with supporters saying The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints urged lawmakers, many of whom are members, not to upset a balance between religious and LGBT rights.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint leaders this time say they don’t oppose the plan.