Utah Bill Would Allow Tax Money To Fund Anti-Gay Marriage Fight

Source: Associated Press

A Utah lawmaker hopes taxpayers can soon donate to the state's fight against gay marriage by checking a box on a tax form.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports Republican Rep. Merrill Nelson of Grantsville has proposed a bill to give taxpayers the option of donating a portion of their income tax refund to a "Marriage Defense Fund." The form already allows donations for other groups, including a homeless trust fund and the Girl Scouts.

Nelson says the option is meant to placate proponents of same-sex marriage who complain the state is wasting money appealing a federal decision striking down Utah's gay marriage ban.

Brandie Balken of gay rights group Equality Utah criticized the bill, saying it would create more division among Utah residents.

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