A group of Mormon democrats has released a report detailing how they believe Republican policies are hurting families.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Rep. Brian King (D-Salt Lake City) cited LDS teachings that the family is a fundamental unit of society. He said Republican positions on issues such as immigration, healthcare, poverty, the environment, and even LGBT rights are harmful for families, which he said come in many different forms.
“We cannot, in good conscience, call ourselves ‘pro-family,’” King said, “Unless we are actively, practically and concretely looking out for the welfare of all families, regardless of their wealth, religion, sex, skin color, gender, race, health or sexual orientation.”
Sen. Ralph Okerlund (R-Monroe) is the majority leader of the Utah Senate and a lifelong Republican. He says the first priority of the GOP is contributing to the success of Utah families. He says Republicans have done just that by proposing legislation designed to improve healthcare and economic development.
“If you were to ask people from around the country, they would say that Utah is synonymous, after having a lot of years of Republican control, with strong families,” Okerlund says.
Most Mormons identify as Republican, but Rep. King says with the rise of Donald Trump as the GOP nominee for president, he hopes Latter-day Saints will reconsider their political affiliation.
