"This is to protect individuals where there's proven violence," Litvack said. "We can't just turn our heads from the protective needs of victims."

But the bill went down, defeated on the House floor 37-32.

Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, argued against the bill Friday due to concerns about possible firearms restrictions. But he also spoke of alternative remedies to dating violence.

"I absolutely abhor individuals who would take advantage of a young woman. In Kane County we have a way to deal with those people," Noel said. "It's not very pretty. Usually the father handles it first, then there is a posse that goes out and takes care of the rest of it as we drag them across the sagebrush."

Rep. Lou Shurtliff, D-Ogden, unsuccessfully urged fellow lawmakers to pass the measure, saying she had spent years working to get protective orders for people who were being stalked.

"That made a difference," Shurtliff said. "We've got another situation now that needs some protection."

cmckitrick@sltrib.com