SALT LAKE CITY — A Republican Utah senator sponsoring a hate crimes bill that would protect gay and transgender people is criticizing the Mormon church for putting the brakes on the measure by urging legislators not to upset a balance between religious and LGBT rights.
Sen. Steve Urquhart, a Mormon, said at a news conference Thursday that he wanted to apologize to religious communities, ethnic groups and others because his church "effectively snuffed out" dialogue on his proposal.
Urquhart's news conference followed a Wednesday afternoon statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The faith said a balance of rights should be preserved and not upset by efforts from any end of the political spectrum. A church spokesman declined to elaborate.
Urquhart's bill is awaiting a vote from Utah's Senate. Supporters say they'll still work to move it forward.
