Senator Derek Kitchen Applauds the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ Support of Codifying

For Immediate Release

November 15, 2022

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Kennedie Starr

Minority Caucus Administrator

Senator Derek Kitchen Applauds the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ Support of Codifying Same-Sex Marriage

SALT LAKE CITY – In response to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ support of a federal proposal to recognize all legal marriages, including marriage between same-sex partners, Senator Derek Kitchen releases the following statement:

“Today’s announcement by the Church has been a long time coming, and I applaud their evolution on this subject. This is an encouraging step in support of families, their membership, and the LGBTQ+ community. I am delighted by the advancement of compassion, acceptance, and a greater sense of belonging for so many individuals. This announcement uplifts much of the progress that I and many of my community have worked towards for decades. While there is a great deal of work ahead to ensure foundational rights are upheld for everyone, I am encouraged by the Church’s support and the progress of the Respect for Marriage Act.”

Senator Kitchen was the lead plaintiff in the victorious lawsuit that brought marriage equality to Utah. On December 20, 2013, U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Shelby ruled that Utah’s ban on marriage by same-sex couples was unconstitutional.