But these two fledglings seemed to miss the outraged breathlessness of Monday's debate; they were bored. So while practicing sign language flashcards, they pretended to pick their noses.
Seems even the homeschooling supermothers of the Eagle Forum can't keep their kids in line all the time.
Neither can lawmakers. As is so often the case, Salt Lake City is acting out, testing the bounds of this big conservative family we like to call a state.
And like any good domineering father, West Jordan Republican Sen. Chris Buttars has whittled the willow switch himself. He has pounced on his annual anti-gay cause - nullifying Mayor Ralph Becker's registry. And he'll do whatever it takes, even inverting beloved conservative principles of local control and hands-off government to turn Utah into his version of a top-down patriarchy.
The occasion was a family reunion for Utah's self-appointed marriage protectors: Former representative and Citizen for Principled Government LaVar Christensen was there to hold Buttars' hand and make the difficult legal arguments. Christensen acknowledges being "helpful" in writing Buttars' legislation.
Eagle Forum President Gayle Ruzicka and anti-gay attorney Frank Mylar sat behind them, acting for all the world like parents at a piano recital.
Buttars insists the mayor is rebelling, trying to thwart Amendment 3 and the Defense of Marriage Act - his and Christensen's most notable lawmaking legacy. Never mind that the registry is a tool for businesses trying to decide whether to give medical benefits to committed same-sex couples. As far as Buttars is concerned, Becker is grounded.
The new mayor tried to remind the Republicans in the room of their disdain for Buttars' brand of paternal government.
Legislators "have a tendency too often to try to dictate what happens in every city without regard for differences," he said. "Salt Lake City has a population that wants passage of a domestic partnership registry."
But Riverton Mayor Bill Applegarth, insinuating himself like a smarmy favored son, argued against government closest to the people. He begged lawmakers to protect his suburban city from the corrupting influences of the capital.
"I don't always agree with what the Legislature mandates to us. But I appreciate the safety - that the Legislature is charged to guide and direct cities," Applegarth said. Leave the decision, he said, not up to individual cities, but to the "great minds of the Senate, the wisest minds. You have the right to direct us."
Like parents.
walsh@sltrib.com
