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8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This joint resolution of the Legislature proposes to amend the Utah Constitution to
11 enact a provision relating to religious rights.
12 Highlighted Provisions:
13 This resolution proposes to amend the Utah Constitution to:
14 ▸ prevent a religious organization, institution, or entity, or individual acting in a role
15 connected with a religious organization, institution, or entity, from being required or
16 compelled to perform, solemnize, execute, or recognize any rite, ceremony, service,
17 or ordinance that the religious organization, institution, or entity determines to be
18 inconsistent with its tenets, doctrines, or beliefs.
19 Special Clauses:
20 This resolution directs the lieutenant governor to submit this proposal to voters.
21 This resolution provides a contingent effective date of January 1, 2017, for this
22 proposal.
23 Utah Constitution Sections Affected:
24 AMENDS:
25 ARTICLE I, SECTION 4
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27 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah, two-thirds of all members elected to each
28 of the two houses voting in favor thereof:
29 Section 1. It is proposed to amend Utah Constitution, Article I, Section 4, to read:
30 Article I, Section 4. [Religious liberty.]
31 The rights of conscience shall never be infringed. The State shall make no law
32 respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; no religious test
33 shall be required as a qualification for any office of public trust or for any vote at any election;
34 nor shall any person be incompetent as a witness or juror on account of religious belief or the
35 absence thereof. There shall be no union of Church and State, nor shall any church dominate
36 the State or interfere with its functions. No public money or property shall be appropriated for
37 or applied to any religious worship, exercise or instruction, or for the support of any
38 ecclesiastical establishment. No religious organization, institution, or entity, regardless of
39 denomination, and no individual acting in a role connected with a religious organization,
40 institution, or entity, may be required or compelled to perform, solemnize, execute, or
41 recognize any rite, ceremony, service, or ordinance that the religious organization, institution,
42 or entity determines to be inconsistent with its tenets, doctrines, or beliefs.
43 Section 2. Submittal to voters.
44 The lieutenant governor is directed to submit this proposed amendment to the voters of
45 the state at the next regular general election in the manner provided by law.
46 Section 3. Effective date.
47 If the amendment proposed by this joint resolution is approved by a majority of those
48 voting on it at the next regular general election, the amendment shall take effect on January 1,
49 2017.
Legislative Review Note
as of 11-14-14 2:11 PM
Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel