Utah hate crimes bill sponsor questions public hearing void

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The sponsor of a bill to strengthen the state's hate crimes law and add protections for gay and transgender people has questioned why it was never given a public hearing despite support from lawmakers.

The measure by Republican Daniel Thatcher would give heavier punishments to those defendants who are found guilty of committing a crime to terrorize groups of people based on factors like race, gender and religion.

But the state legislative session ended Thursday without the bill getting a public hearing.

"There was very strong opposition from certain members of the Senate that kept the bill from getting a hearing," he said, declining to name them.

Last year, Republican Sen. Steve Urquhart introduced a similar bill, but it was voted down in the Senate amid concern that it could create special protections for some people.

Read more: http://news.hjnews.com/ap/state/utah-hate-crimes-bill-sponsor-questions-public-hearing-void/article_3f5c2aff-f8a9-57a5-8998-0f067a4892ae.html