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SB111: Bans government from interfering, without a compelling reason, with religious freedom.

Next step: Goes before the full Senate for a vote.

"Little by little, over a period of years, freedom of religion has been cloaked. The state has become hostile to religion."

SEN. CHRIS BUTTARS

R-West Jordan

SB 1171

Sen. Chris Buttars' latest morals crusade is a proposed law that would prohibit government from interfering with religious practice and speech - protections bill opponents say already are taken care of by the Constitution.

Buttars, R-West Jordan, said he wants people to be able to gather on the steps of City Hall to sing Christmas carols or for children to wear T-shirts bearing the Mormon slogan CTR - for Choose the Right - to school without fear of lawsuits or government interference.

“Little by little, over a period of years, freedom of religion has been cloaked,” Buttars said. “The state has become hostile to religion.”

The bill, which passed by a vote of 4-2 in the Senate Government Operations Committee on Friday, says the state cannot burden a person's free exercise of religion unless the action is necessary to further a compelling government interest.

Democrats on the committee said Buttars' concerns are mostly addressed by Supreme Court rulings and existing law.

“Can we solve this problem by working with the school boards instead of passing legislation and opening up a can of worms?” asked Sen. Scott McCoy, D-Salt Lake City.

“This is a sledgehammer,” said McCoy, an attorney. “I don't know that we need a sledgehammer.”

The bill also drew opposition from Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and Utah Higher Education officials.

“There will certainly be a number of state court challenges because of this law,” Shurtleff said.

Bill supporters said fear of litigation is no reason to kill a bill aimed at ensuring personal liberties.

“What's more important, government immunity or personal freedom?” asked Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, an attorney.

Buttars said the Legislature might have to deal with disputes about the law's application down the road, including protections for "extreme" religious groups.

“I'm not saying this doesn't leave the door open for someone to do something a little wild,” Buttars acknowledged.