SALT LAKE CITY — Utahns overwhelmingly support legislation clarifying that clergy don't have to perform weddings for gay and lesbian couples, a new poll shows.
Specifically, UtahPolicy.com asked, "Several legislators say they will
SALT LAKE CITY — Utahns overwhelmingly support legislation clarifying that clergy don't have to perform weddings for gay and lesbian couples, a new poll shows.
Specifically, UtahPolicy.com asked, "Several legislators say they will introduce bills to make it even more clear that clergy don't have to perform same-sex marriages or conduct or condone same-sex marriage associations. Do you support or oppose such a bill?"
The survey found 64 percent of residents strongly favor such measures, while 16 percent somewhat favor them. It also showed 6 percent would strongly oppose the legislation, and 7 percent would somewhat oppose it.
Dan Jones & Associates polled 405 registered voters Oct. 14-16. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percent.
Rep. Jacob Anderegg, R-Lehi, is among the Utah lawmakers who intend to introduce "religious freedom" legislation when the Legislature meets in January.
Leaders of the Republican-controlled House and Senate put the brakes on those kinds of bills in the 2014 session, citing Utah's appeal of a federal court ruling that overturned the state's ban on same-sex marriage.
After the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this month let stand lower court rulings allowing gays and lesbians to marry, state legislators said it's time move the legislation forward.
"I do want it very expressly known that this isn't meant to say we hate what the law is. It's just that the First Amendment needs to be upheld," Anderegg said in interview earlier this month.
Anderegg is proposing a law and a resolution for an amendment to the Utah Constitution that would exempt not only clergy but state and local government officials and judges from having to solemnize marriages that go against their religious beliefs.
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