The majority members of the Utah Legislature apparently feel no remorse in creating an unsafe environment for women and our vulnerable populations. They have barreled through the Legislature bills that will 1) make it harder for victims of stalkers to get injunctions (HB 21) based on one constituent’s anecdote, and 2) allow more prohibited persons from being identified as such to carry concealed firearms (HB 60) based on the big lie that the permitting process in Utah somehow infringes on an individual’s right to bear arms.
Our United States judicial branch, over years of consideration, absolutely disagrees.
Now what do these bills mean for the people of Utah?
It basically means that people, like Lauren McCluskey, will not be protected by Utah law.
In fact, Utah law, as proposed with these two bills, would make it easier for people like McCluskey’s perpetrator to shoot and kill ex-girlfriends or ex-lovers.
I find that unconscionable.
Our governing body is tasked with providing safety to its citizens. It should not be legislating bills to make it easier for people to be stalked and killed. Perhaps our new governor will be more concerned with public safety and the safety of women and vulnerable populations. Ask Gov. Cox to veto these two bills (H.B. 21 and H.B. 60).
Terri Gilfillan, Sandy
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible