Issue Position: Preserve Freedom & Liberty

Utah will continue to navigate difficult questions at the boundary of religious freedom and gay rights. I believe that legislative negotiations are a more effective vehicle for properly protecting values instead of waiting for judicial decisions. I also believe we can obtain the proper balance. Protecting religious liberty is possible, but will involve advancing gay rights, not seeking to defeat them. As the sponsor of the bills that formed the Utah Compromise in 2015, we were able to accomplish both of these goals effectively. Under the Compromise, employers retain the legal ability to establish reasonable employment regulations that reflect their own values. At work, employees may, in a non-disruptive manner, express their views and even religious convictions about marriage, family, and sexuality; they cannot be penalized at work for expressing those views outside of work. LGBTQ people receive identical protections. We found a balanced solution, squaring religious liberty with LGBT non-discrimination. I am proud that Utah, was able to navigate this difficult issue without boycott or protest and as a result, the Utah Compromise has become a benchmark for other states.

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