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Compromise bill on LGBT nondiscrimination and religious liberties expected Tuesday

Posted at 2:14 PM, Mar 02, 2015
and last updated 2015-03-02 16:59:28-05

SALT LAKE CITY — A bill that aims to balance both LGBT nondiscrimination and religious liberties is expected to be unveiled Tuesday in the Utah State Legislature.

An amended version of Senate Bill 100 has Republican leaders “cautiously optimistic” that it will providing protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in housing and employment, while at the same time allowing for people with deeply held religious beliefs.

“I think I have enough that everyone’s going to be a little unhappy. That’s usually when you’ve got consensus,” joked Senate Majority Whip Stuart Adams, R-Layton, who has been among a small group of people negotiating over the bill’s language.

“I think there will be some people will be thrilled, some people will not when you do the right thing,” Sen. Adams told reporters on Monday. “I think at the end of the day, we’ll do what’s right.”

Sen. Jim Dabakis, D-Salt Lake City, the only openly gay member of the legislature gave FOX 13 a thumbs up and said he was “optimistic” about the bill as he rushed from the House chambers.

“I’m very happy,” said Equality Utah director Troy Williams when asked about the bill’s language, declining to comment further.

Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, said he was concerned the bill was coming so late in the session that it would not get a proper hearing. Sen. Adams said he believed the bill would get hearings in both the House and Senate.

The amended bill is expected to be presented to the Senate GOP caucus behind closed doors on Tuesday.