Senate approves lawmaker for state judge position

Powell apologized to the LGBT community on Monday, saying he is not anti-gay. File photo.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Utah Senate committee will recommend that a longtime state lawmaker be seated as a judge despite concerns raised by gay rights activists.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/2fdpUwQ ) that Gov. Gary Herbert appointed Powell to fill a vacancy on the 4th District Court.

Powell proposed bills in January to label same-sex unions as "pairage" instead of marriage and to require the state to favor heterosexual married couples in adoption. Both measures failed.

Powell apologized to the LGBT community on Monday, saying he is not anti-gay and will treat all people with fairness while serving as a judge.

The Senate committee unanimously advanced Powell's nomination after two hours of questions from lawmakers and the public, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender activists.

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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com

Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved.

The Gayly - 11/15/2016 @ 12:31 p.m. CST.