Utah lawmakers are pushing to expand religious freedoms in schools, government and healthcare with a pair of bills unveiled on Friday
HCR15 from Rep. Mike Petersen aims to dramatically expand religious expression in public spaces. This includes the open expression of faith by public school teachers and students, and accommodating religious observances in government settings. The resolution also protects religious symbols in public places.
Petersen’s resolution does not single out any particular religion, but calls for “the fostering of respectful dialogue among diverse faith traditions.”
Last year, Petersen sponsored HB269, which would have required all of the state’s public schools to post the Ten Commandments. His proposal was watered down to add the Ten Commandments and Magna Carta to a list of documents that history teachers can use as part of the curriculum.
Also on Friday, Sen. Evan Vickers unveiled SB320, a bill that would give physicians the right to refuse to provide medical services if they conflict with their medical, moral, religious or ethical beliefs.
Federal law already provides protections for healthcare providers who refuse to perform abortions or sterilizations because of their religious or moral beliefs.
Vickers’ bill could allow healthcare providers to deny contraception, vaccinations or transition-related treatments for LGBTQ+ patients.
