House moves to restore criminal prohibition on sex with animals; sponsor stresses narrow scope and agricultural exceptions

The Utah House debated Substitute House Bill 54, a measure restoring and clarifying criminal prohibitions related to sexual acts with animals. The sponsor emphasized the bill targets conduct intended for the actor’s sexual gratification and is not meant to criminalize standard agricultural practices or actions involving dead animals.

Sponsor Representative McNally said the bill "doesn't say the gratification of the animal" and that the statute requires the actor’s intent: "It doesn't say the gratification of the bridal, of the actor... the person, the suspect, has to set the gratify." He stressed the intent of the legislation is to send a clear message that the conduct is wrong and to give law enforcement a statute that enables required remedies beyond a lewdness charge.

Members discussed definitions, scope, and potential unintended coverage of agricultural operations; supporters noted that organizations such as the Utah Farm Bureau and the Humane Society were involved in drafting and had approved amendments. The sponsor and others described the exclusion for various legitimate agricultural activities and the bill’s careful definitions to protect farmers and commerce.

After debate and amendment discussion the House moved to 'circle' and later uncircle and approve the substitute as amended; later floor action recorded passage and referral to the Senate. Supporters argued the change restores a long-standing prohibition that had been removed inadvertently in prior codifications, while proponents of careful drafting sought language excluding commercial and agricultural activities and clarifying the application to living animals only.

Next steps: The amended substitute will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.