An LDS Church official carried an endorsed message from church leaders to the Utah Capitol on Wednesday: The Mormon church "does not oppose passage" of a bill designed to thwart polygamy.
The unusual move followed what church spokesman and lobbyist William Evans told lawmakers was a false rumor that the Mormon church opposed the measure, which unanimously passed the Senate on Thursday.
Evans' hands-on involvement fueled further speculation that leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were interested in a portion of Sen. Ron Allen's bill dealing with gay marriage, which the LDS Church opposes.
"I hadn't heard that [rumor], but the church was concerned I had," said House Speaker Marty Stephens, R-Farr West.
Under Senate Bill 146, people who officiate at polygamous or gay marriages could be charged with a third-degree felony.
"The church learned that a rumor was circulating that it opposes Senate Bill 146," church spokesman Dale Bills told The Salt Lake Tribune on Thursday. "Because of the potential for misunderstanding on this issue, William Evans, the church's registered lobbyist, visited leaders of both parties to inform them personally that the church does not oppose passage of the bill.
"The statement to legislative leadership was in response solely to the issue relating to polygamous marriages. Mr. Evans was unaware at the time of the discussion that any other issues, i.e. gay unions or ceremonies, were being linked to the bill."
Bills added: "The church does not oppose the portion of the bill that affects polygamous marriages. As to the rest of the bill, the church has no position."
The effort surprised many lawmakers.
"[LDS Church leaders] told us at the beginning of the session that if they did have a position, they would issue something formal," said House Minority Whip Patrice Arent, D-Holladay. "This was more informal."
Church leaders typically are careful to avoid perceptions they have swayed voting on a bill, unless the central issue runs counter to church doctrine.
In the past, Evans and others have lobbied against liberalizing liquor laws and against permitting gambling in Utah.
But polygamy -- a thorn for some modern-day church members and lawmakers, many of whom descend from plural families -- has in the past been off-limits for church lobbyists.
SB146 would make it a felony for a parent or guardian to consent, encourage, promote or allow a minor child to enter into an outlawed marriage.
The intent is to curb girls and young teens from being coerced into polygamous marriages and Allen has advertised the legislation as a means to prevent child abuse among polygamists.
The measure also seeks to punish people who conduct illegal marriages, including polygamy and same-sex marriage. Parents and religious leaders who violate the law could be charged with a third-degree felony.
A handful of lawmakers backed Allen's bill because it would punish people who marry gay couples. On Thursday, Valentine added an amendment that would close a loophole that allowed people with the authority to solemnize a marriage to avoid prosecution by allowing another person to conduct the ceremony.