Now those opponents, and his supporters, can finally examine not just Buttars' public comments but the text of the legislation.
SB97, released Wednesday, is a bit broader than a gay clubs ban.
The bill directs school boards and administrators to "limit or deny" clubs that encourage criminal or delinquent conduct, promote bigotry or involve human sexuality.
Buttars' has said his primary aim is to rid Utah schools of the 14 gay-straight alliances, the most recent forming at Provo High. He considers these organizations "conditioning clubs" that promote homosexuality. He has the backing of the Eagle Forum, a conservative lobbying group that focuses on moral issues.
The bill defines the phrase "involve human sexuality" to mean any club that encourages a student to label themselves either gay or straight, disclose opinions about sexual orientation, advocate pre-marital sex or discuss contraceptives.
SB97 allows administrators broad discretion to select which clubs can meet on school grounds as it includes a provision to "protect the physical, emotional, psychological or moral well-being of the students or faculty."
The bill requires each club to have a faculty advisor and each student must obtain the permission of their parent before joining.
Members of gay-straight alliances, such as Cottonwood High's Catie Howell-Dinger, plan to fight to save their clubs.
She said gay-straight alliances create a safe place for students to gather and avoid bullies. At their weekly lunch meetings in their faculty advisor's classroom, the small group discuss politics and social issues wording -- awkward impacted by being a gay high school student.
The Utah State Board of Education has not taken a stand on Buttars' bill, but plans to do so on Friday, said Chairman Kim Burningham.
But after a quick review, Burningham said portions might be unnecessary because there are already rules preventing explicit discussions about sex in any school setting and he has concerns that the bill could prevent certain students from gathering.
The full text of the bill is available on the Legislature's Web site at www.le.state.ut.us.
Tribune reporter Celia Baker contributed to this article.
