With the court system very possibly handing down same-sex marriage as law nationwide, the two pieces of legislation that passed the Utah legislature may be a compromise of sorts. The first law bolsters the religious protection for people who object to same-sex marriage. Under the law, religious institutions and the Boy Scouts of America would be protected while banning discrimination against homosexuals. And while county clerk’s offices must be able to perform same-sex unions, the county clerk has the ability to refuse to perform the ceremony. While the bills have the right idea, they don’t go far enough in securing religious freedom. The bills would not have protected the Colorado bakery that refused to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding, for example. Interestingly enough, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – once advocates for traditional marriage – said about one of the bills, “The Church has been consistent in its support of marriage between a man and a woman while teaching that all people should be treated with respect. There have been various attempts discussed by lawmakers to deal with the changing definition of marriage in our state. We are supportive of SB 297 because it is a more balanced and fair approach to marriage and religious freedom protections.” It’s hard to understand what the Mormon Church was saying. Do they like the compromise? Or is it hinting that it will once again change its definition of marriage? More…