Listen to this articleThe three Republican candidates vying to replace outgoing Rep. Chris Stewart in Utah’s Second Congressional District were asked to address “LGBTQ+ issues and Utah’s 2nd Congressional District.” All three, Becky Edwards, Bruce Hough, and Celeste Maloy, answered the questions posed by KSL NewsRadio in July:
Becky Edwards
“Our LGBTQ communities are important members of our state, and they are making great contributions. We can do more to make sure that there are opportunities for all members of our state to grow and thrive. Those are focuses that have been important in my time in the House. We can look at some of the work that the state legislature did and the accomplishments we made on non-discrimination in terms of housing and employment. That’s a good model that really reflects the business and the religious community here in the state. I look forward to having more of those kinds of conversations.”
On her website, Edwards states, “Everyone should have a seat at the table. I am committed to expanding opportunity and improving the quality of life for all Utahns, especially those who have historically been left out of the conversation. Race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other factors should not limit opportunities or access to education, employment, housing, and healthcare. Together, we can make significant progress toward our nation’s highest ideal of ‘liberty and justice for all’ as we consider steps to expand opportunity and leave a better legacy for the next generation of all Utahns.“
Edwards marched in the Utah Pride Parade and had a booth at the Utah Pride Festival in 2022 while running for U.S. Senate.
Bruce Hough
“The fundamental point here is that we just have to start with a basis of loving all children of God. So that’s where we start. But that being said, we have to also protect parental rights, the rights of the family. To make sure that those are not abrogated. In terms of federal law, I think that everything that needs to exist probably exists currently. They can simply be enforced. Everyone should have the right to medical care and housing, and there shouldn’t be discrimination in these areas. But in other areas, we need to make sure that parents have the right to make sure how their children are educated. What they’re taught and how those functions ought to be done. Those are really issues that are local issues and shouldn’t be federally mandated.”
Celeste Maloy
“I don’t know how many more laws we need. Gay marriage has been legal in this country for seven years. The Respect for Marriage Act says if the Obergefell decision is ever overturned, then the federal government is going to respect marriages that are performed by states. As far as the issue, though, I think everyone’s entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. If you’re gay and you believe in smaller government, I welcome you to come work with me on that. At the same time, I also defend the rights of religious people and religious organizations to teach that marriage is between a man and a woman. I think there’s enough freedom to go around.
