ACLU

The law is scheduled to take effect May 3, but the Planned Parenthood Association of Utah and the American Civil Liberties Union hope to block it.

Planned Parenthood and ACLU of Utah filed a lawsuit Monday challenging a new Utah law that would ban abortion clinics. The law, signed by Gov. Spencer Cox in March, doesn't take effect until May 3.

Cox told reporters in February that he planned on signing the measure, which also clarifies the definition of abortion to address legal liability concerns providers voiced about the way exceptions are worded in state law — a provision Republicans called a compromise.

Lawmakers front-loaded some of the most controversial legislation at the beginning of the session.

Gov. Spencer Cox, who had not taken a public position on the transgender care measure, signed it a day after the Legislature sent it to his desk.

“We’re grateful for this temporary restraining order that will allow abortion services to resume in Utah,” said Planned Parenthood of Utah president and CEO Karrie Galloway.

Utah’s abortion trigger law will soon go into effect, with it some pro-abortion advocates fear what this means for reproductive rights while others rejoice.

There are limits to teachers’ free speech in the classroom. As schools have become centers of heated political debates around race, equity and COVID-19 restrictions, it’s not always clear where the line is drawn.

Last summer, protesters were charged with felonies for painting the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s office red. On Tuesday, four of the protesters pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges.

The Utah Department of Corrections has offered a COVID-19 vaccine to every inmate at its Gunnison and Draper facilities, except for new arrivals. Meanwhile, the ACLU of Utah wants local health departments to increase access to people incarcerated at county jails.

Supporters of the bill say it makes it easier for parents to keep their children away from explicit content. But critics say it’s too restrictive and unconstitutional.

A bill that increases penalties and eliminates bail for rioting passed a Utah legislative committee Wednesday. It stems from last year’s protests against police brutality and racial injustice.