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Senator records lone dissent on marriage‑celebration resolution, citing equality concerns
Summary
The Senate approved House Joint Resolution 17 designating Feb. 7–14 as a celebration of marriage; Senator McCoy cast the sole recorded no vote, saying he supports marriage but objects because the resolution does not reflect his view of marriage equality.
The Utah Senate placed House Joint Resolution 17 on the consent calendar and approved it on Feb. 24, designating Feb. 7 through Feb. 14 as a celebration of marriage and urging Utahns to reflect on strengthening the institution.
The resolution passed on roll call by a vote of 26 yes, 1 nay and 2 absent. Senator McCoy used the floor to explain his no vote: he said he supports marriage as an important institution but objected because the resolution, as drafted, is not consistent with his belief that “everyone should be allowed to enter the institution of marriage equally.” He asked that his vote not be construed as anti‑marriage.
The resolution is ceremonial and carries no legal effect. It was amended in the Senate and will be returned to the House for further action because the Senate amended the House language.
Senators voted to place the item on the consent calendar for expedited consideration before the roll call.
