UT Senate to consider adding LGBT protections to hate crime law

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Senators on Friday will consider a proposal that would add protections for gay and transgender people to Utah's hate crime law.

The proposal would also beef up the penalties for crimes against a person or their property if the action was motivated because of the victim's race, gender, or other protected traits.

Several conservative and religious groups opposed to the measure say they worry it makes thoughts and beliefs a crime and carves out special protections for some classes of people.

Utah's governor has said he has reservations about the plan, asking whether it's appropriate to punish someone based on what motivated them to commit a crime.

The Human Rights Campaign says Utah is one of more than a dozen states with hate crime laws that lack protections for sexual orientation and identity.

By Hallie Golden. Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.

The Gayly- 2/26/2016 @ 1:15 PM CST